Singer Hindi Zahra makes soulful jazz-pop with a tinge of Morocco. She tells Time Out how she plans to rock Beirut.

With her gently soulful lyrics and melodies that saunter along, Hindi Zahra’s music is an alluring blend of delicate jazz-pop with a hint of blues, touched by her Moroccan roots. A self-taught multi-instrumentalist, Hindi Zahra started writing songs late into the night whilst at her first job, at the Louvre in Paris after a move from her birth country, Morocco.

Her first full-length album ‘Handmade’ was put out by Blue Note – a legendary label that has featured some of the biggest jazz artists since the 50s – and is a beautiful collection of caressing vocals (sung in English and her native Berber) with a subtle strumming accompaniment, hand claps and gypsy style percussion that bring with it whispers of the Mediterranean.

What inspired you to first start making music?
Everyone in my family is into music, so playing music and singing came very naturally. I learned music as I learned how to talk, it was a need.

What influence do you think your Moroccan roots have had on your music?
I see with my Moroccan eyes, I eat with a Moroccan taste, I feel with a Moroccan heart. My roots are everywhere especially when it comes to expressing myself through my music! But it’s not only about being Moroccan, it’s about travelling around the world. Living in Paris, my music is a mix of a lot of influences from all over the world.

Which artists did you listen to when you were growing up?
I have listened to many artists, all their music is still in my head and my heart. Someone I adore and respect above all others is Anouar Brahem, who is the composer I consider above all the others.

Wire Magazine compared you to Billie Holiday, is she a singer you identify yourself with?
Wow, that’s a hell of a compliment. I would never allow myself to compare the way I sing to Billie’s! She is one of my he- roes! Not only her music but the interaction between her life and the way she sings. I think Billie never lied when she sang. I also have other influences; Fairouz for example, is someone really important to me.

You started out doing backing vocals for hip-hop soul, how did this help you to develop your voice?
It did not only help me with my voice, I also got the opportunity to tour with a few bands, play music and be on the road. This is where I understood what my life would be made of.

Were you excited to have your record out on such an important label for jazz music?
Can you imagine composing the music for a first album and have positive feedback from the most prestigious jazz label? Even more so when your music is at the crossroads of many types of music, not only jazz but pop and world music as well. It’s a great honour. The album was so well produced that the result went far beyond what I expected. The album was elected ‘Album of the year’ a few weeks ago at the French Grammy Awards.

Will it be your first time in Beirut? What have you got planned for your concert here?
Yes it’s my first visit to Beirut. As an Arab artist, no one can imagine what it means to play in Beirut. This is what all Arab artists dream of! I am so excited to meet the Lebanese audience and also a bit afraid of their judgement towards my music. We will perform ‘Beautiful Tango’, ‘Stand Up’ and other tracks from the album ‘Handmade’, but maybe also a few exclusive surprises that will be on the second album we are preparing. We’re gonna rock it Beirut!

Natalie Shooter

Hindi Zahra performs at Music Hall Sun 24. Liban Jazz.