12 Girls Band

12 Girls Band formed in 2009 at Beirut's National Conservatory of Music under music educator Zeid Hamdan. The group of twelve Lebanese women musicians started by playing traditional folklore and contemporary tunes, with their 2012 album 'The Beirut Groove' capturing their early sound. They've performed songs like 'Duldal and Maria' while blending traditional Lebanese instruments with modern arrangements.

Their stage presence and approach to traditional music drew both admiration and criticism in Lebanon, but they continued performing internationally at festivals including Glastonbury, WOMAD, and the Melbourne International Arts Festival. The band has seen several lineup changes over time, with members playing instruments ranging from oud and violin to saxophone and drums.

Later albums like 'Ya Rayah' in 2014 and 'Kash Kash' in 2018 showed their continued exploration of folk, pop, and electronic elements. Their performances maintained an energetic quality that connected with audiences in different cultural settings.