We are made up of many things, from our past choices, present decisions, and future dreams to our inherited heritage, culture, and chosen path. Kuwaiti-Palestinian-Lebanese singer and songwriter Etaf is the perfect embodiment of the previous statement, a culmination of experiences and a deep sense of understanding identity.
Starting with her name, Etaf is her Palestinian grandmother’s namesake, which means deviation in Arabic, an act which she has mastered, by deviating from the road less taken and being unafraid of following her passion and heart. The 29-year-old artist was born and raised in Kuwait but moved to the UK for a doctorate in law. Yet, after practicing law and receiving her Ph.D., she realized that what she really wanted to do was make music. She has mastered several instruments, and plays the piano, guitar and oud. Etaf is ultimately proud of her Arabic roots and being part of the diaspora. Her music draws on her Arabic heritage and she proudly wears her ga7feya everywhere and sings mainly in Arabic, but since moving to London, she has started weaving English into her songs, too.
Etaf can even recall the exact moment in her life when she realized that she loved singing. She was 11 years old, and even though she was shy, she sang, and her mother encouraged her to keep going.
Etaf released her first single “7a2” (Haa’ meaning Right in Arabic) in June 2023. 7a2 challenges expectations around how Arabic music should be composed and has captivated audiences around London. She is currently working on several songs that will continue to subvert expectations. Her second song, “Taboot” (coffin) which was recorded in Kuwait, and released in January of 2024. Etaf is also preparing to release her first EP, Feemale, Feemale is about longing for unconditional love and freedom.
Her melodic and soulful voice lulls you into a sense of safety, while tackling big feels and even heavier topics. When asked how she would describe her genre of music, she explains that she refers to it as shisma (the Kuwaiti equivalent of whatchamacallit). It makes more sense when you consider the artist herself, she breaks barriers and rejects labels, and her music exemplifies this.
“I think there isn’t really much of a difference between practicing law for 10 years and now music, in terms of what I am trying to deliver, what I care about, what, what story I’m trying to communicate with people. And what values that I am conscious of in creating that content,” Etaf explains.
Etaf is conscious of how her music is both political and intersectional. She stands for women’s, minorities, and human rights in general. This is an exceptionally difficult time for the artist, who has roots in Gaza and has lost around 50 family members. She believes that everything is political and that her music is also her banner for freedom and liberation.
“Music comes from pain and from trauma and emotions, from excitement, from happiness, from needs, from vulnerability. Fragility like this is what music is. So in this way, and from this kind of philosophical way, music is important because it says something about that person who is making it. I think of music as communicating something that resonates with me, something that’s real that’s authentic. That’s genuine. That tells a story about me, but also like I want to make it in a way that people can relate to,” she elaborates.
Etaf is clear and unapologetic about her desire to become a full-time musician, yet her greatest challenge is funding. She explains that London’s music scene is very competitive, and artists constantly fight for attention and exposure. To
help herself and others, Etaf started a Whatsapp group that brings people together and helps everyone collaborate on their projects. She also mentions that she has found support and solace in the diaspora music community in London.
We can’t wait to hear and see what she will be doing next. Until then, we’ll be jamming to her tunes online on Spotify.
Follow @thisisetaf on Instagram to stay up-to-date with her music and news.
Photo Credits:
Creative direction: 3EIB @3eib
Photographer: Salam Zaied @salamzaied
Stylist: Dania Arafeh @daniaarafeh
Beyt Ahlam x 3EIB @beytahlam (custom jacket)
Melkyana x 3EIB @melkyana (belly chain styled as tie detail)
Atawneh (Tatreez long vest, handmade by Ahmad Atawneh’s mum in Beyt Kahil, Palestine)
Louis Vuitton @Louisvuitton (vintage tie)
