OUR STORY | عن ال٤٧

47SOUL is a trailblazing musical collective, formed in Jordan in 2013 and now based between London and Palestine. The group comprises Tareq Abu Kwaik (El Far3i), Ramzy Suleiman (ZthePeople), Walaa Sbait, and Hamza Arnaout (El Jehaz). They single-handedly pioneered the “Shamstep” genre by fusing electronic hip-hop with traditional Dabke dance music and elements of reggae. Their music draws from the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Levant region, encompassing modern-day Palestine, Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon. By blending traditional Arabic instruments like the arghul and mijwiz with hip-hop, electronica, and R&B, and melding these with Dabke and other Shaa’bi roots music, 47SOUL has created a unique sound that is both deeply rooted and innovative.

47SOUL’s vibrant, multicultural sound has made them a formidable live act, earning them return spots at prestigious international festivals like Glastonbury and Roskilde in 2024. Their global reach has been further amplified by iconic performances for both KEXP and NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert, which showcase their high-energy performances that often evolve into collective Dabke circles and resonate with powerful messages of freedom and equality, delivered in both Arabic and English.

Their discography powerfully charts this artistic and political journey. It began with their seminal 2015 debut EP, Shamstep , which introduced the world to their infectious blend of politics and rhythm with the hit Intro to Shamstep. This foundation was built upon with the albums Balfron Promise (2018) and Semitics (2020), released on Cooking Vinyl, which further refined their sound and expanded on themes of displacement and identity. Now, a decade after their debut, the band is celebrating the tenth anniversary of Shamstep with a special edition release featuring remixes of their iconic hit by acclaimed artists Molotof, Toumba, and Hello Psychaleppo.

Building on this global momentum, 2025 has been a landmark year. 47SOUL released the poignant Dualism Pt.1, a project that explores the emotional landscape between grief and hope, born from the escalating atrocities against the Palestinian people. They further cemented their status by supporting the legendary Massive Attack on their 2025 tour. Through it all, 47SOUL continues to break through traditional industry gatekeeping, using their music as a powerful vehicle for solidarity and a vibrant celebration of cultural resilience.