Rima Khcheich Fulfills a Three-Decade-Old Musical Promise with Ya Man Itha

Lebanese singer Rima Khcheich brings to life an album she has carried in her heart for decades with Ya Man Itha, a deeply personal tribute to the late Egyptian composer Fouad Abdel Majeed. Abdel Majeed’s music shaped Khcheich’s artistic voice from an early age, and in this recording, she revisits ten of his Muwashahat—classical Arabic vocal compositions set to poetry and marked by intricate rhythms and modes—placing them in dialogue with the colors and sensibilities of French chanson. At first glance, chanson may seem far removed from the Arabic Muwashah, yet both traditions share a deep commitment to poetic expression, lyrical nuance, and the marriage of words and harmony. This cross-cultural resonance inspired the ensemble’s refined arrangements, crafted by Maarten Ornstein, Tony Overwater, and Juan Rodriguez.

For Khcheich, Ya Man Itha is not merely a tribute; it is the fulfillment of a promise made thirty years ago. As a young singer of 13, she traveled to Cairo in early 1994 to meet Fouad Abdel Majeed. They spoke of making an album together, and he even composed new works for her. Just months later, however, he passed away, and the dream was left unrealized. Three decades on, Khcheich returns to his music guided by rare recordings and cherished memories, creating a living, breathing conversation between memory and renewal, past and present.

Joining Khcheich are musicians with whom she has shared a profound artistic bond for over 25 years: Maarten Ornstein on clarinet, Tony Overwater on double bass, and Joost Lijbaart on drums. Their long collaboration has cultivated a rare musical language rooted in trust, openness, and deep listening. For the first time, they are joined by Juan Rodriguez on piano, whose youthful sensitivity and energy infuse the music with fresh colors. The ensemble recorded the album live, preserving the immediacy of performance and the intimacy of shared breath.

The arrangements—three by Tony, five by Maarten, and two by Juan—reflect the spirit of the project: respectful of tradition, yet unafraid to explore new terrain. With Ya Man Itha, Kepera Records presents an album that embodies timeless heritage while speaking directly to the present moment, a musical promise finally kept.