A new collaborative single was announced on Thursday to be released soon by Israeli Dudu Tassa and Radio head guitarist Johnny Greenwood.
The single Shay Ashufak, is featured in an album that would be released on June 9, called Jarak Qaribak Arabic for "Your neighbor is your relative" and includes the participation of Lebanese singer Rashid A-Najjar.
The musical project aims to honor cross-border collaborations by gathering talented singers and musicians from various Middle Eastern countries including Jordan, Egypt, Syria, and Lebanon.
Together, they will create fresh renditions of pieces in Arab culture. Nigel Goodrich, a producer with an impressive portfolio working with renowned artists like Paul McCartney, Beck, and Red Hot Chili Peppers, will handle the mixes of the project that is co-produced by Tassa and Greenwood.
On his Instagram account, Tassa expressed his excitement about a new milestone in his career as a musician. He said that the release of the album he recorded with Johnny Greenwald on June 9 is one of the most significant moments he has experienced.
Tassa also said that the album is a result of the shared curiosity and appreciation for Arab music and culture that he and Greenwood have. The album is a collaboration with artists from different parts of the Middle East and renews existing works to create something fresh and unique.
"As an Israeli, I recognize that despite our small size in comparison to Arab countries, Arab culture and customs have deeply influenced Israeli culture," he said.
"A significant number of us in Israel are descendants of people who migrated from various parts of the Middle East. It's worth noting that Friday afternoons were a highlight of the week for many people in my generation and their families, as the songs from Arab movies being broadcasted on TV could be heard from every window in the neighborhood.
"As someone who had the privilege to record this project, I can say that working alongside Johnny Greenwood was an incredible experience. He is undoubtedly one of the most influential and significant musicians of our time and a dear friend whom life has brought into my path.
"I am thrilled about the project's release and hopeful that it will allow a broader audience in Israel to reconnect with our close and culturally rich surroundings. In these difficult times, I believe it's essential to recognize and celebrate the shared cultural aspects that unite us."