Oriente

Oriente formed in 2008, a Lebanese band that put out their first album the following year. Their song 'Pras Damas' came out in 2011 and became a hit in Lebanon, an energetic dance track that got people moving. They've released other albums since, like 'Ya Man' in 2013 and 'Salam' in 2017.

Their music pulls from Lebanese folk traditions and Arabic pop, with some Western rock in the mix. You can hear it in songs like 'O Maximo Respeito' and 'Aquela Antiga Canção', they have a way with a melody that feels both familiar and fresh. The band's lineup included Nadim Qassem on vocals, Mario Khoury on guitar, Ramy Qassem on bass, and Roni Khaddage on drums.

At one point, some of their lyrics drew criticism from religious conservatives in Lebanon, which led to a temporary ban on their performances in certain areas. They kept making music through it, though, putting out more work like the album 'Ta'alo'.