Kazdoura

Kazdoura, a Toronto-based music band, is a cross cultural fusion. Their unique style harmoniously blends the rich musical traditions of the East with Western influences, incorporating elements of funk, pop, and soul. Expressing equal parts of Nostalgia and reinvention in their modern interpretation of Arabic.

The Syrian singer Leen Hamo, who made her way to Toronto six years ago, and multi-instrumentalist jazz musician Johnny Abou Chacra, Kazdoura was born out of a shared passion for Arabic music.
Over the past seven years, music provided Leen with a safe space and strength in her new home Canada. Singing gave her the power she needed to express her identity and to connect to her soul.

After arriving in Canada, her passion for classical Arabic led her to collaborate with different artists to share her musical heritage Some of these collaborations were: Canadian Arabic Orchestra, Sultans of string, Diar, Jazzy Arabia, Tabiba, music without Borders, Wapama and others.
Leen and Johnny, together, embarked on a mission to reimagine and reinvent classic Arabic songs, breathing new life into these timeless compositions.
Since its inception in 2020, Kazdoura has rapidly gained popularity, through online exposure, collecting over 3 million views on TikTok and later through live performances since 2021.

In June 2022, Kazdoura released their debut original EP, titled "Wain," In their original music they express themes like nostalgia, Home sickness, destruction and goodbyes. “Wain” garnered attention and support from "Habibi Funk" and “ Disco Arabesquo”who secured a spot on their Spotify playlists. It was supported by many radio stations in North America including CBC, CUIT. CKUA, Arabology podcast at Radio Jordan 96.3 FM, Tracks from Abroad Podcast. It was also covered by Al Araby TV.

They received interest from Jakarta record label in Germany, Empire Wana in the US, Memphis Records in Egypt.
In 2023, Kazdoura received two grants to facilitate the recording of their full album, slated for release in Spring 2025. This marks an exciting step in their musical journey, promising fresh and innovative tracks for their growing fan base.

Kazdoura did their first tour in Egypt in April 2024 organized by Memphis Records. They played at Cairo Jazz club, Makan and the ClubHouse. They played the first Arabic music festival in the Netherlands “Nawafiz” in May 2024.

Kazdoura played their first Canada tour at festivals such as Sunfest, Northern Lights, Trout forest, Stan Rogers and others.