Kazdoura [Arabic Psychedelic Rock]

About this event

“This was my first time seeing Kazdoura as a full band, and it was a super fun show. Johnny Abou Chacra had some insane sax solos, and the band was in the pocket the whole night” – Kurt On The Scene

Kazdoura—meaning “to stroll” in Levantine Arabic—embodies exploration, nostalgia, and groove. Founded in Toronto by Syrian vocalist Leen Hamo and Lebanese multi-instrumentalist John Abou Chacra, the duo bridge modern and traditional Arabic music with psychedelia, funk, and soul. Their sound radiates a vintage psych-soul atmosphere, with Leen’s ethereal, ornamented vocals soaring over lush, hypnotic arrangements.

Their debut album Ghoyoum surpassed one million streams and earned major national recognition, winning the 2026 JUNO Award for Global Music Album of the Year and the 2026 Canadian Folk Music Award for Global Roots Album of the Year. The album also previously received nominations for Best New Artist at the 2025 Canadian Folk Music Awards and Best Album of the Year at the Ontario Folk Music Awards, where they won Best Music Video of the Year.

Having performed across Canada, the UK, and Egypt, and showcased at WOMEX, Mundial Montréal, and APAP, Kazdoura continue to expand their global footprint while working on their highly anticipated second album.

Line up:
Leen Hamo – Vocals/Percussion
John Abou Chacra – Guitar/Saxophone/Vocals
George Robert Macdonald – Keyboard
Noiak Bedirian – Electric Bass
Theodore Benjamin Goss – Drums