HIYA—an artist whose name resonates with the power of femininity—delivers a musical gift that encapsulates the essence of transformation. With her third single, “Khusleh” (خصلة), HIYA takes a bold step into a new chapter of her career. She offers a track that differs from her previous bilingual releases to embrace an all-Arabic expression of empowerment and self-discovery.
HIYA, a Jordanian singer-songwriter of Palestinian and Lebanese heritage, has been making waves with her deeply personal and emotive music. Her latest single, “Khusleh,” which translates to “Lock” in English, marks a significant shift from the themes of anger and sadness found in her earlier singles, “Banadi” and “Pedestal.” Instead, “Khusleh” has an upbeat tempo and a catchy hook. In this song, she weaves Western influences with an Arab twist to create an anthem of freedom and renewal.
“Every woman cuts her hair when she’s about to take over the world. After the cut, I wondered why I hadn’t done it before”
The song’s inspiration draws from a profound personal ritual: the act of cutting one’s hair. HIYA uses this symbolic gesture as a metaphor for shedding the weight of past experiences and embracing a new, liberated self. “Every woman cuts her hair when she’s about to take over the world,” she reflects. “After the cut, I wondered why I hadn’t done it before. It was the best decision, and I was ready for that change. I’ve never felt more like myself.”
Themes Behind “Khusleh”
In “Khusleh,” HIYA’s lyrics explore themes of vulnerability, resilience, and empowerment with an authenticity that resonates deeply. The act of cutting her hair is not just a physical change but a powerful statement of letting go of past pain and memories. “It is said that hair holds memories,” she explains. “Khusleh” symbolizes everything that I wanted to let go of, tangibly. Memories are a collection of words, and I journaled a lot until I was done reminiscing. Cutting my hair was my way of cutting the memories—I cut them to the last word.”
“I couldn’t and wouldn’t have written it any better than in Arabic. The emotion could only be fully realised in my mother tongue”
Musically, “Khusleh” stands out for its incorporation of Bossa Nova—a genre that fuses Samba and Jazz and has been intermittently used in Arabic music over the years. Yet, HIYA’s track defies easy categorization, blending genres to forge a unique soundscape. The decision to sing the track entirely in Arabic underscores the song’s emotional depth and cultural connection. “I couldn’t and wouldn’t have written it any better than in Arabic,” she affirms. “The emotion could only be fully realized in my mother tongue, allowing me to authentically capture and communicate the sentiment in a way that resonates with my heritage and identity.”
Music Video
Accompanying the release of “Khusleh” is a music video set to premiere on September 13th. Filmed in Amman and styled by designer Nafsika Skourti, the video captures HIYA’s journey post-haircut. Featuring scenes at a historic barbershop in Jabal al-Weibdeh, celebrations with Kunafeh, and explorations of the city, the video’s spontaneous and vibrant aesthetic mirrors the song’s empowering message. HIYA’s outfit, designed to merge masculine and feminine energy, further symbolizes the song’s themes of balanced strength and grace.
“Khusleh” is a testament to HIYA’s journey of self-empowerment and artistic evolution. She is confronting her past with courage and embracing her heritage with pride. HIYA is inviting her listeners to embark on their own paths of renewal and strength. In doing so, she reaffirms the transformative power of art to inspire and uplift.