Rima Khcheich

The long expected new album from Lebanese singer Rima Khcheich With Ya Man Itha, Lebanese singer Rima Khcheich brings to life an album she has carried in her heart for decades. It is a deeply personal tribute to the late Egyptian composer Fouad Abdel Majeed, whose music shaped her artistic voice from an early age. Together with her life long musical partners, Rima revisits ten of Abdel Majeed’s compositions and places them in dialogue with the colors and sensibilities of French chanson. At first glance, chansons may seem far removed from the Arabic tradition, yet both traditions share a deep commitment to poetic expression, lyrical nuance, and the marriage of words and harmony. Joining Rima are musicians with whom she has shared a profound artistic bond for over 25 years: Maarten Ornstein (clarinet), Tony Overwater (double bass), and @ Joost Lijbaart(drums). Their long collaboration has created a rare musical language rooted in trust, openness, and deep listening. For the first time, they are joined by Juan Rodriguez (piano), whose youthful sensitivity and energy infused the music with new colors. Together, the ensemble recorded the album live, preserving the immediacy of performance and the intimacy of shared breath.