Mashrou’ Leila is a band from Beirut whose music was dubbed “the soundtrack to the Arab Spring” a few years ago. Since they were last in Canada, they graced the cover of Rolling Stone (Middle East), whilst receiving an increasing number of death threats for their politically and thematically charged lyrics. The band has played to sold out crowds Canada, Europe and Middle East, enchanting crowds with their high energy performances and pro-rights messages. Mashrou’ Leila kick off their US and Canada tour at New York’s Miller Theatre at Columbia University. Despite their acclaim, they can’t receive any funding from the Lebanese government and refuse to sign to a label in order to avoid censorship. Here’s a link to the new track.

“A Lebanese band with an eclectic sound, an openly gay frontman and politically charged lyrics is trying to tear up the conventions of Arabic pop culture” – BBC

“The voice of their generation” – CNN

“Out to stir a musical rebellion in the Middle East” – The Guardian