In readiness for their upcoming album titled Refuge, Canadian band Sultans Of String are sharing a new tune, “EL Bint El Shalabeya”. This is actually a rework of an old Lebanese song and their version features Syrian native Majd Sekkar, Algerian mandole player Fethi Nadjem and Greek oud maestro Demetrios Petsalakis. “El Bint EL Shalabeya” is a high tempo track that combines Middle-Eastern melodies, Afro-influenced percussion and Western rock guitars and rhythms. It’s accompanied with a retro-styled music video.

According to band leader Chris McKhool, Refuge (expected to drop in March) is “centred around the positive contributions of refugees and new immigrants to the United States/Canada”. He adds: “We are bringing in guests that are newcomers to this land, as well as global ambassadors for peace“.