Artist of the Week: Tamino

Bio

Full name: Tamino-Amir Moharam Fouad

Place of Birth: Mortsel, Antwerp Belgium

Date of birth: 24 October 1994

Genre: alternative, indie rock

Tamino’s thoughtful and poetic lyrics mixed with his melancholic and Arabic melodies make him truly unique in today’s music scene. Although being born in Belgium, Tamino does not shy away from his Egyptian roots and has been hailed as the “New Sound of the Nile” by the BBC as an ode to his grandfather Muharram Fouad who was an icon in Egyptian music and film. Identity is something that is important to him as he often felt misplaced being influenced by his Egyptian and Belgium culture.

Tamino was always surrounded by music growing up as his mother had a large record selection that was predominantly his grandfather’s Arabic music. However he also listens to any music that touches him which also ranges to rap specifically Kendrick Lamar. He found it hard to communicate when growing up and through writing stories and theatre he found a way to express himself. Being a musician was the perfect combination for the classically trained musician as he was able to write songs, perfect them and perform them. What he enjoys about performing is that he’s able to re-live the feelings he experienced when writing the songs.

The first single he released is Habibi which he says reflects his essence immediately. It is about what he describes as a naïve and destructive romance he experienced as an 18-year-old. Tamino’s single Cigar was inspired by a portrait of a skull smoking a cigarette that he saw at the Van Gogh museum. He interpreted the painting as a portrayal of a man who had a sinful life but had no regrets and if given the chance to start over, he wouldn’t change a thing. He tried to reflect that through his music video which was directed by his younger brother Ramy Moharam Fouad. Tummy and Persephone are also among the videos that Tamino’s brother Ramy has directed. Tamino’s music is timeless and he brings an interesting new flavour to the music scene. His album Amir can be streamed on of all major platforms.

Essential Songs:

Habibi

Tummy

Indigo Night

Cigar

Intervals

So it goes