SceneNoise x XP Conversations: Kazdoura

In Levantine Arabic, the word Kazdoura translates to a stroll  - specifically a spontaneous, leisurely walk taken for the sake of enjoyment and discovery. It is an apt moniker for the Toronto-based duo of Syrian vocalist Leen Hamo and Lebanese multi-instrumentalist Johnny Abou Chacra. Since their formation in 2020, the pair has been inviting listeners on a cultural promenade that bridges the traditional maqams of the Middle East with the neon-lit grooves of Western psychedelia. 

The magic of Kazdoura lies in the friction between its two halves. Leen Hamo’s vocals are steeped in the classical traditions of Arab music, her voice carrying an ethereal ornamentation and emotional weight that has heritage shaped by displacement and resilience. On the other hand, Johnny Abou Chacra, conversely, brings a background rooted in jazz, funk, and psych-rock. Together, they create what they describe as a ‘vintage-tinged psych-soul’ atmosphere. In their signature tracks, traditional Arabic melodies aren't simply layered on top of Western beats, but  woven into them.

Kazdoura’s rise has been marked by a series of accolades that validate this genre-bending experiment. Their status as one of Canada’s most significant cultural exports was cemented when they were crowned winners of Global Music Album of the Year at the 2026 JUNO Awards. Beyond the trophies, their 2025 debut album, Ghoyoum, surpassed one million streams within months of its release and earned them honours at the Ontario Folk Music Awards. 

During our conversation at XP 2025 in Riyadh, Leen and Johnny spoke about how they met, their easy artistic chemistry and how reconnecting with audiences in the Arab world has given them a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of their music’s resonance.