Rust
Rust
Rust is a dynamic duo whose music blends the Arabic heritage of melody and poetry with modern electronic beats.
Combining elements of Arabic music with contemporary production and hypnotic vocals, Rust draws influence from the older generation of musical rebels, aiming to bridge the gap between legacy and modernity.
The Beirut-based project creates captivating soundscapes that combine the beauty of Arabic tunes and the pulsing rhythms of electronic music. The duo is determined to challenge traditional notions of Arab identity and create a sonic expression that is all their own
Hany Manja is a Syrian musician and electronic music producer, who moved to Beirut in 2019 to reconnect with his roots, after having spent fifteen years in Prague. In Beirut, he began studying Oud and traditional Arabic music, allowing him to expand his musical capabilities. Hany is passionate about bridging traditional and contemporary music, exploring new sounds and pushing boundaries.
Petra Hawi is a Lebanese musician and vocalist, rooted in traditional Arabic music and has been performing since 2012 with several bands in Lebanon. Growing up in an artistic family, Petra has been immersed in music, art and culture since a young age. She is passionate about the power of music, and enjoys exploring its potential to bring people together.
While looking for a singer to collaborate with, Hany was lucky to meet Petra, who was looking for a new challenge and an opportunity to put her passion and knowledge of traditional Arabic singing into practice. This is how their collaboration began and “Rust” was born in September 2020. Petra and Hany continue to inspire each other with their creative ideas and push each other to reach new heights.
The duo begins with exploring ancient poetry from the Arab world. After finding the right inspiration, Rust begins to compose melodies over the Oud, bringing the old verses back to life. The melodies are then arranged and structured over an electronic gear, where the final sound is formed. Rust also plays cover songs from the repertoire of classical Arabic compositions. Each song is rearranged and re-interpreted to fit the duo’s musical style. During the live performance, the duo members are constantly adding to the music with improvisation and effects, creating a sound that is both captivating and mesmerizing.