Tamtam Enters New Era With Poetic Heartbreak Single ‘Ahrub’

Saudi-born singer-songwriter Tamtam reflects on the emotional journey of lost love and heartbreak in a new single, ‘Ahrub’, venturing into a new sonic territory inspired by the golden age of Arabic cinema.

The track’s evocative Arabic lyricism is based on a poem by Deema Sabbagh, touching on the universal themes of love, betrayal, heartbreak and denial in the face of pain, echoing the old cliche that ignorance is bliss. “When I first read Deema’s poem, I was deeply moved. Her words felt so personal, and I knew instantly that they needed to be transformed into music,” Tamtam tells SceneNoise.

The intricate production of ‘Ahrub’ comes courtesy of Italian native Charlie Cavallo and Paris-based producer Malca, serving as a harmonious canvas for Tamtam’s signature melodic vocals. Malca’s distinct approach, however, adds a layer of nostalgia, and the texture of a warped vinyl record to the track’s structure. “Malca perfectly captured the spirit of Arabic cinema, a huge inspiration for both the song and the upcoming album,” Tamtam explains.

The emotionally dense chorus of ‘Ahrub’ - which translates to, ‘’How can I run away when you have lived in me, and I in you?’’ - cuts deep, encapsulating the torment of heartbreak and the scars of betrayal that never fully heal. “[Ahrub] is more than a song; it’s an emotional journey. It’s about love, loss, and the deep unspoken pain that remains with us.”

The music video accompanying ‘Ahrub’, filmed in Mexico City and directed by Emilio Guerra, visually embodies the emotional core and the themes of the song through metaphorical storytelling that goes beyond the surface of a breakup, highlighting the visceral and unshakable feel of the wound it leaves behind. Starring Mexican actor Claudio Roca as Tamtam’s former lover, the video features scenes of the prime moments in a relationship.

The song is a part of Tamtam’s debut album, which is set to be released later in 2024.