Tawātem by Metttani

Tawātem - “Totems” in Arabic - is an intimate tribute to the fading Tunisian Stambeli tradition. The recording and preservation of Stambeli was the incentive for founding the label Shouka 10 years ago, and now Metttani pays a personal tribute to this ritual, intertwined with pagan legacies that resonate with his fundamentally animist spirituality.

This album breaks free from conventions, drawing an abstract depiction of Stambeli's rituals and music. Metttani blends in his signature influences, ranging from collective traumas to individual moments of grace. Originally crafted as a documentary soundtrack, the music carries a message: uncover life's essence in its simplest forms.

Your totems don't have to be mighty or flamboyant. Whether from this reality or another, every little being can be a powerful guide.

-

Metttani, the brainchild of Amine Metani, stands as the solo endeavor of the Shouka label and Arabstazy collective founder. Rooted in a foundation of music training from a young age, he infuses his approach to electronic music with the essence of acoustic sounds and live performances. His musical repertoire spans diverse influences, incorporating elements from 90s Big Beat and Death Metal, 00s Breakcore and IDM.

His work is enriched by a profound appreciation for non-tempered traditional musical legacies and animist rituals, adding depth to both his compositions and live shows. Beyond his musical pursuits, he is a neuroscience researcher with a specialization in restoring movement to the paralyzed.

Metttani is the solo endeavor of the Shouka label and Arabstazy collective founder. He infuses his approach to electronic music with the essence of acoustic sounds and live performances, and incorporates elements from 90s Big Beat and Death Metal, 00s Breakcore and IDM, enriched by a profound appreciation for non-tempered traditional musical legacies and animist rituals.