Zeyne Reclaims What ‘Hilwa’ Really Means in Empowering New Single

Palestinian-Jordanian artist Zeyne unveils ‘Hilwa’, a potent self-love anthem and the third preview single from her upcoming debut album, which is set to release this year.

‘Hilwa’, which means ‘beautiful’ in English, sends a tender message of empowerment and self-acceptance to Arab women who feel pressured to look perfect due to the unrealistic, Western-centric beauty standards we are drowning in every day. Through heartfelt lyrics, Zeyne cuts through the noise, offering a reminder that true beauty transcends external expectations and that self-love is often nurtured by the love and memories of those who came before us. 

Over a cacophony of tabla percussions, major keys, and rababa strings imbued with R&B influences, Zeyne pays homage to her mother and grandmother, highlighting the strength and individuality passed down through generations, amidst intersections of joyful ululations that are commonly known in celebratory gatherings in the Arab world.