47SOUL
Pioneers of ShamstepBiography
47SOUL is a Palestinian-Jordanian electronic music group that has revolutionized the Middle Eastern music scene with their pioneering genre known as “Shamstep.” Formed in Jordan in 2013, the group brings together four talented musicians of Palestinian heritage: Tareq Abu Kwaik (El Far3i), Ramzy Suleiman (Z the People), Walaa Sbait, and former member Hamza Arnaout (El Jehaz).
The “47” in the band’s name is a reference to 1947, the year before the Arab-Israeli War when hundreds of thousands of Palestinian Arabs were displaced. This historical context informs their music, which often addresses themes of freedom, movement, borders, and identity while remaining universal in its appeal.
What sets 47SOUL apart is their groundbreaking fusion of traditional Arabic dabke music with contemporary electronic sounds, creating what they’ve dubbed “Shamstep.” This innovative sound pays homage to Bilad Al-Sham (the Levant region encompassing Palestine, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon) while incorporating elements of hip-hop, electronica, and R&B to create music that bridges cultures and generations.
Since their formation, 47SOUL has built a devoted following across the Arab world, the global Arab diaspora, and beyond. Their energetic live performances, socially conscious lyrics in both Arabic and English, and distinctive musical style have established them as cultural ambassadors and one of the most influential acts in contemporary Middle Eastern music.
Musical Journey
47SOUL’s musical journey began in 2013 when the four members, all of Palestinian heritage but raised in different locations, came together in Amman, Jordan. Despite their diverse musical backgrounds – from traditional percussion to electronic production – they shared a vision of creating music that honored their cultural heritage while pushing boundaries with contemporary sounds.
Their breakthrough came in 2015 with the release of their debut EP “Shamstep,” which not only introduced their unique sound to the world but also gave name to the genre they created. After relocating to London, they continued to expand their global presence with performances across Europe, North America, and the Middle East, building a reputation for electrifying live shows.
Key milestones in their career
- 2013: Formation in Amman, Jordan
- 2015: Release of debut EP “Shamstep”
- 2018: Release of first full album “Balfron Promise”
- 2019: Featured on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert
- 2019: KEXP live session
- 2020: Release of second album “Semitics”
- 2024-2025: Release of “Dualism Pt.1” EP
Discography
- Dualism Pt.1 (2025) Their latest release that addresses Palestinian realities with themes of grief and resilience.
- Semitics (2020) Their second album featuring collaborations with artists like Lowkey, Fedzilla, and Shadia Mansour.
- Balfron Promise (2018) Their debut full-length album, named after the east London housing block where they lived.
- Shamstep (2015) The groundbreaking EP that introduced and named their signature sound.
Watch 47SOUL
Musical Abilities
47SOUL stands out in the global music scene for their exceptional ability to blend traditional and modern musical elements, creating a sound that is both innovative and rooted in cultural heritage.
- Genre innovation – Creators of “Shamstep,” a fusion of traditional Arabic dabke music with electronic, hip-hop, and other contemporary styles
- Multilingual vocals – Lyrics delivered in both Arabic and English, creating music that bridges cultural divides
- Traditional instruments – Expert use of Arabic percussion instruments like darbuka alongside modern electronic production
- Electronic production – Sophisticated use of synthesizers and modern production techniques to create innovative soundscapes
- Live performance energy – Renowned for their electrifying stage presence and ability to connect with diverse audiences
The members of 47SOUL bring diverse musical backgrounds and skill sets to the group. Tareq Abu Kwaik excels at traditional percussion and vocals, Ramzy Suleiman is a master of synthesizers and keyboards, and Walaa Sbait anchors the group with powerful vocals and percussion. Their collaborative approach creates a seamless fusion of traditional and modern musical elements that has earned them acclaim from critics and fans worldwide.
Artistic Style
47SOUL has developed a distinctive artistic style that sets them apart in the global music landscape:
- Creation of Shamstep, a groundbreaking fusion of traditional Levantine dabke music with electronic beats and production
- Lyrics that explore themes of identity, borders, freedom, and displacement in both Arabic and English
- Music that bridges cultural and generational gaps honoring traditional forms while embracing contemporary sounds
- Performance style characterized high energy and audience engagement
- Visual aesthetic that blends traditional cultural elements with modern design
- Creation of music that is politically conscious while remaining universally appealing
“We make Arabic electronic music from the Bilad Al Sham region. We’re trying to get people to dance and think at the same time. The two aren’t mutually exclusive. The lyrics in Arabic and English are about any border or restriction you cross, whether that’s physical, mental, or emotional.” — 47SOUL on their artistic approach
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name 47SOUL mean?
What is Shamstep?
Who are the members of 47SOUL?
- Tareq Abu Kwaik (El Far3i) – vocals and darbuka (traditional Arabic percussion)
- Ramzy Suleiman (Z the People) – vocals, synthesizer, and keyboards
- Walaa Sbait – vocals and bass drum
