HANA Searches For Home Between UK & Egypt in ‘Can You Understand Me?’

As more and more artists sprout out of the Arab diaspora, one thing has become very clear over the last couple of years: the third-culture struggle is real. While many continue to dismiss the existentialism of a permanent state of in-between, young Arabs growing up outside of the region are increasingly having to navigate feelings of cultural ambiguity and liminality, often finding themselves in a negotiation between tradition and modernity.

This precarious emotional tightrope walk is the focus of 'Can You Understand Me?', the latest single by London-based R&B/pop artist, HANA, which offers a preview of upcoming EP, You Are Who You Are. Shaped by her British upbringing and Egyptian heritage, she directly confronts that second-generation challenge of fitting in through a sonic fusion that blends R&B and neo-soul with classical Arabic and traditional Tarab influences. 

“This project means so much to me,” she says of a bi-lingual song whose complex sound mirrors its complex theme. “It’s an honest reflection of both my British and Egyptian identities, and I hope listeners feel empowered to embrace every part of themselves.” To fully articulate her story, HANA has taken her narrative back to its source, traveling to Egypt to film the music video, which is set to premiere on November 22nd and promises to capture the tangible challenges and stark contrasts she has faced navigating two quite different cultures.

She has already demonstrated her ability to connect with diverse audiences thanks to her growing track record on-stage, having made a mark at events such as Rohy Festival and Sofar Sounds, headlined a gig at Next Door Records, and collaborated with DJ AG during his viral Kings Cross event. 

These compelling live performances, coupled with her growing body of work since her 2019 breakout hit, 'Fantasy', through her 2021 debut EP, Until It Isn’t, serve to further paint a picture of someone who has committed her artistry to seeking a true sense of belonging. Funded by Youth Music UK and set for release in 2026, her upcoming EP, You Are Who You Are, promises to draw even more deeply from her Egyptian roots, and the inherent battles that those roots are part of a volatile cultural narrative that is as global as it is personal.