Kazdoura—meaning “to stroll” in Levantine Arabic—captures the spirit of movement, discovery, and joyful connection. Founded in Toronto by Syrian vocalist Leen Hamo and Lebanese multi-instrumentalist John Abou Chacra, the project was born out of resilience and shared passion following their serendipitous meeting at a fundraiser for Beirut in 2020. What began as a musical experiment evolved into one of Canada’s most vibrant acts blending Arabic heritage with modern global sounds.

At its heart, Kazdoura’s music fuses traditional and contemporary Arabic music with psychedelia, funk, and soul—a genre-blurring sound that feels both nostalgic and futuristic. Their songs carry a vintage-tinged, psych-soul atmosphere, where deep grooves meet shimmering melodies and Leen’s captivating, ornamented vocals in Syrian Arabic. The result is a sound that’s irresistibly groovy yet emotionally rich—reimagining Levantine music for a new generation.

Kazdoura’s debut album Ghoyoum, released in 2025, has surpassed one million streams, resonating with audiences across continents. The album’s success led to 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 also took home Best Music Video of the Year.

Their rise has been marked by captivating live performances, from packed Canadian venues to international showcases at WOMEX, Mundial Montréal, APAP, and Folk Canada. In 2024 and 2025, Kazdoura embarked on tours across Canada, the UK, and Egypt, including acclaimed shows in Bristol, Falmouth, London, Cairo, and El Gouna, where audiences were drawn into their magnetic blend of rhythm and emotion.

More than a band, Kazdoura represents a cultural bridge—an invitation to “stroll” between worlds. Their music honors the deep roots of Middle Eastern traditions while celebrating the freedom of modern experimentation. Currently, they are working on their second album, continuing to evolve their signature sound and expand their footprint on the global stage.