By Azzam Bilal 
HangupsMusic.com – Berlin, the boundary-pushing composer and conceptual artist Fatima Al Qadiri has officially announced her latest musical endeavor, a new EP titled 3TWI (pronounced ‘Atwi’). Scheduled for release on October 9th through the venerable Hyperdub imprint, the project marks a significant continuation of Al Qadiri’s deep dive into the sonic landscapes of West Asia. By weaving together traditional folk dance rhythms with contemporary electronic textures, Al Qadiri remains at the forefront of artists who use sound to interrogate complex themes of identity, geography, and heritage.
The announcement of 3TWI is accompanied by the lead single, "7ilween," a track that serves as a vibrant introduction to the EP’s aesthetic. Translated as "pretty young things," the single features contributions from Bobo Secret and Lama3an, both of whom are recurring figures in Al Qadiri’s creative circle. The track is not merely a piece of music but a cultural artifact that bridges the gap between the historical weight of West Asian folk music and the neon-lit urgency of the modern dance floor.
Accompanying "7ilween" is a visually arresting music video directed by the acclaimed artist and filmmaker Sophia Al-Maria. Produced by NG Partners and filmed on location in both London and Baghdad, the video offers a cinematic exploration of the themes present in the music. Al-Maria and Al Qadiri have a long history of collaboration, often being credited with the conceptualization of "Gulf Futurism"—a term used to describe the rapid, hyper-modern development of the Persian Gulf and its impact on the region’s cultural psyche. The visual for "7ilween" continues this dialogue, contrasting the urban grit of London with the storied, complex architecture of Baghdad.
In a move that underscores Al Qadiri’s status as a cross-disciplinary artist, an extended version of the "7ilween" video is slated to be projected in various international art institutions throughout 2027. This long-term exhibition plan highlights the intersection of music and fine art that has come to define Al Qadiri’s career, ensuring that the project’s impact will be felt far beyond the standard release cycle of the music industry.
3TWI is described as an exploration of West Asian folk dance music, but it is also a deliberate investigation into gender identity, queer culture, and the diverse ethnic makeup of the region. Al Qadiri has never shied away from political or social commentary. Her previous works, such as the 2014 album Asiatisch and 2016’s Brute, used sound to critique Western perceptions of Asian culture and the militarization of police forces, respectively. With 3TWI, she turns her lens inward to the Levant and the surrounding regions, focusing on the celebratory yet often subversive nature of traditional dance.
The EP sees the return of several key collaborators, including Gumar, whose vocal contributions were central to Al Qadiri’s 2023 Hyperdub EP, Gumar. That previous release was a haunting exploration of "mourning songs" and the vocal traditions of the Khaleeji region. In contrast, 3TWI appears to lean into the more rhythmic, kinetic energy of folk dance, though it is expected to maintain the atmospheric depth and conceptual rigor that are hallmarks of Al Qadiri’s production style.
The involvement of Bobo Secret and Lama3an adds a layer of authenticity and collective energy to the project. These artists have become essential components of Al Qadiri’s sound, helping to bridge the gap between her avant-garde electronic sensibilities and the traditional structures of West Asian music. By working with these collaborators, Al Qadiri creates a space where queer identity and traditional folk forms can coexist, challenging the often-rigid societal norms associated with the region.
The timing of this release follows a busy period for Al Qadiri in the realm of film scoring. In recent years, she has lent her unique sonic palette to several high-profile films, including the thriller Skincare, the documentary Seeking Mavis Beacon, the Spanish horror film La Abuela, and the French drama L’etranger. Her work in cinema has clearly influenced her solo output, as her compositions have become increasingly narrative and evocative. The ability to build tension and create a sense of place through sound is a skill she has honed on the big screen, and it is likely to be a defining feature of the tracks on 3TWI.
The relationship between Fatima Al Qadiri and Hyperdub is one of the most enduring and fruitful in modern electronic music. Founded by Steve Goodman (better known as Kode9), Hyperdub has long been a sanctuary for artists who defy categorization. From the dubstep pioneers of the mid-2000s to the experimental footwork of the 2010s, the label has consistently championed music that pushes the envelope. Al Qadiri’s return to the label for a second EP in two years reinforces her position as a central figure in the Hyperdub family.
The label’s recent output has been particularly strong, with significant releases from artists such as Ikonika, Jessy Lanza, Loraine James, and the elusive Burial. Each of these artists shares a common thread with Al Qadiri: a refusal to stay within the lines of a single genre. Whether it is Loraine James’s intricate, emotional IDM or Jessy Lanza’s idiosyncratic take on pop and R&B, Hyperdub remains a hub for innovation. Al Qadiri’s 3TWI fits perfectly into this lineage, offering a sound that is both deeply rooted in history and undeniably futuristic.
As the music industry continues to grapple with the globalization of sound, Al Qadiri’s work serves as a vital reminder of the importance of cultural context. She does not merely sample traditional music; she deconstructs it and rebuilds it to reflect her own experiences as a member of the global diaspora. Born in Senegal and raised in Kuwait before moving to the United States and eventually Berlin, Al Qadiri’s life is a testament to the fluidity of modern identity. This fluidity is reflected in her music, which often feels like it belongs to everywhere and nowhere at once.
The upcoming release of 3TWI on October 9th is expected to be a major event for fans of experimental electronic music. The EP will be available for pre-order via Bandcamp, a platform that has become essential for independent artists and labels to connect directly with their audience. As listeners wait for the full project, "7ilween" provides a tantalizing glimpse into what is to come—a blend of heavy percussion, ethereal melodies, and a profound sense of cultural purpose.
Looking forward to 2027, the institutional screenings of the "7ilween" video suggest that Al Qadiri is thinking about the legacy of her work. In an era of disposable digital content, she is creating something that is intended to be sat with, viewed in a gallery setting, and discussed as a work of art. This approach elevates the EP from a simple collection of songs to a multi-sensory experience that demands the listener’s full attention.
Ultimately, 3TWI is more than just an EP; it is a statement of intent. It is an assertion that folk traditions are not relics of the past, but living, breathing entities that can be transformed and re-imagined for the 21st century. By focusing on themes of gender, queerness, and ethnic diversity, Fatima Al Qadiri is not only expanding the boundaries of electronic music but also contributing to a broader conversation about who gets to claim these traditions. With Hyperdub providing the platform, 3TWI is poised to be one of the most culturally significant releases of the year, further cementing Al Qadiri’s reputation as one of the most important voices in contemporary music.
