KHAMSA 5×5 III

For Women’s Day, KHAMSA 5×5 is back with the third edition to spotlight women who make a difference. 5×5 is a special series exclusive to KHAMSA, where we ask five talented people the same five questions. By asking the same questions to each, we uncover the unique perspectives and experiences that define them. Through their contrasting and complementary answers, we’ll gain a deeper understanding of what drives them, their creative sparks, and the challenges they’ve overcome.

This edition of the 5×5 is a special tribute to the talented women that are shaping the Middle East. We’ve selected five inspiring women from the music scene, who are leaving their mark on the region. IWD, celebrated every March, is a dedicated time to honour the remarkable contributions of women throughout history. It’s a day to recognize the countless ways women have shaped our world, from pioneering scientific discoveries to leading social movements. We, at KHAMSA (meaning “five” in Arabic) have chosen to celebrate this spirit with a series featuring five exceptional Arab women — each a powerhouse in their own right.

Our process of selection was meticulous. We sought women who embody the spirit of IWD – those who are breaking barriers, pushing boundaries and leaving a lasting legacy in their fields. These women, through their talent and dedication, showcase the immense potential and diverse voices that women in the Middle East bring to the table.

Prepare to be surprised, inspired and challenged as we explore the idiosyncrasies of these remarkable women. Get ready to meet Lina Makhoul, Tala Mortada, Lana Lubany, Roxane and Blu Fiefer, as we delve into their captivating 5×5.

١. Lina Makhoul

Lina Makhoul is a Palestinian singer, songwriter, and performer known for her powerful voice and genre-blending sound. She has carved out her own path in the music industry, mixing Arabic, pop, and electronic influences to create a unique sonic identity. With hits like This Ain’t About You and Dance Sucker, Lina has toured internationally, opened for Coldplay, and continues to use her music to break barriers and challenge stereotypes. Confident, bold, and always evolving—Lina Makhoul is a voice you can’t ignore.

١. Favourite

1. Character from fiction? Motoko Kusanagi.
2. Flavour? Homemade labneh – any day any time.
3. Stress reliever? My bed in Akka.
4. Latest invention? My unreleased song and music video RADIYA.

٢. Least Favourite

1. Word: ORIENTAL.
2. Food: The idea of combining eggs and tuna.
3. Feeling: Self doubt.
4. Sound: High pitched conversations / snoring.

٣. How do you define love?

٤. Who is the person you most admire and why?

My 19 year old self. I was the most naïve, big dreamer, and courageous who would just jump into whichever waters and know she’ll figure it out without even realizing it.

٥. What is your motto? 

● Comfort zone is beautiful, but nothing ever grows there.
● Flow and trust.

٢. Tala Mortada

​Tala Mortada is a Lebanese DJ, producer, and visual artist who has become a prominent figure in Beirut’s dance music scene. She gained recognition through her performances at events like C U NXT SAT and venues such as The Grand Factory. Beyond her musical endeavours, Tala co-founded Clap Clap, a design studio, and serves as the Creative Director, integrating her artistic vision into various projects. Her innovative approach combines music and design to foster community engagement and address social issues, positioning her as a dynamic force in the Middle Eastern music & creative landscape.

١. Favourite

1. Character from fiction? Ponyo cause she looks like my son June.
2. Flavour?  Dark Chocolate, Coffee. Both.
3. Stress reliever? Breathing in nature while listening to music.
4. Recent invention? The ideal DJ booth lighting device (in progress).

٢. Least Favourite

1. Word? Urban, Disrupt, Wanderlust.
2. Food? Sojok don’t @ me.
3. Feeling? Pressure.
4. Sound? Bombs.

٣. How do you define love?

But also, All is full of love – Björk.

٤. Who is the person you most admire and why?

I admire Bjork.
Her very distinct talent and how she created a visual world around it.
She’s a figure in the art fashion poetry and music world.
She was never about the trends or about growth.
She just does what she needs to do, says what she needs to say. She gives us her gift and that’s all that really matters .

٥. What is your motto? 

Don’t spray perfume on Poop!

٣. Lana Lubany

Lana Lubany is a Palestinian and American viral sensation and a pioneer in the next generation of Arab artists. She bridges the gap between the West and the Middle East with a sound that’s uniquely hers, bringing something fresh to the mainstream like ROSALÍA and Tyla. She pushes pop music into uncharted territory, fusing electronic beats, Middle Eastern motifs, and raw lyricism into an unmistakable sonic signature. After being named one of The Guardian’s Artists to Watch in 2023, landing on the NME 100, and receiving praise from Grammy.com, Pitchfork, The FADER, NYLON, Notion, DIY, CRACK, The Line of Best Fit, and Dummy, Lana graced the cover of NME’s April issue. Recently, Jade Thirlwall (Little Mix) hand selected her for a feature in the POLYESTER zine she recently guest edited. Lana supported Saint Levant and The Last Dinner Party on their EU tours, and recently completed her own first sold-out EU headline tour.

١. Favourite

1. Character from fiction? Buttercup from the powerpuff girls- she’s so badass. I always used to draw her as a kid.
2. Flavour? Lemon, garlic and olive oil. The base for most of our meals in the Levant.
3. Stress reliever? Journaling. It gets my thoughts out of my brain and onto paper (or my phone)
4. Recent invention? ChatGPT. It’s high key scary, but it’s acting as my personal assistant right now! sooooo…

٢. Least Favourite

1. Word? ‘no’  
2. Food? Peanut butter…
3. Feeling? Stress and envy. I couldn’t choose, they’re both the worst.
4. Sound? Nails on a chalkboard and drilling (construction).

٣. How do you define love?

٤. Who is the person you most admire and why?

Both my parents, who work so hard and both give so much. They’re generous, fun, resilient and love me and my sister unconditionally. No matter what challenges they face, they keep going, and that’s something I truly admire and try to carry with me in my own life. 

٥. What is your motto?

If the door won’t open, build your own.

٤. Roxane

Roxane is a Lebanese singer and songwriter known for her soulful voice and genre-bending sound. Blending pop, R&B, and electronic influences, she has carved out her own space in the regional music scene with her smooth vocals and deeply personal lyrics. With a strong artistic identity and a passion for pushing boundaries, Roxane is redefining what contemporary Lebanese music sounds like—one track at a time.

١. Favourite

1. Character from fiction? My adult self says Schmidt from New Girl, my teenage self
   says Edward Cullen from Twilight, and my kid self would say Ariel from the little
   mermaid, but my adult self would never let my kid self idolize someone who gave her
   voice away for a man????
2. Flavour? My official answer is a fresh pain au chocolat on a cold early morning from
   some random neighbourhood bakery in Paris. My unofficial answer is Nutella straight
   from the jar.
3. Stress reliever? Dancing, cause there’s not much a boogie can’t fix.
4. Recent invention? it’s a close call between my latest release ‘ENSA’ and that batch
   of pesto I made from scratch, can’t choose and won’t!!!

٢. Least Favourite

1. Word? No. Hate hearing it, love being empowered to say it though.
2. Food? Oysters.. I have given them two chances and it was two chances too many!!!!
3. Feeling? Although I have a few, I’ll settle on resentment because I don’t like how it
   makes me treat the people I love. Honourable mention to the feeling of not being
   enough.
4. Sound? My own thoughts when I’m anxious.

٣. How do you define love?

٤. Who is the person you most admire and why?

I’m privileged to say that answering this question is a struggle, because I’m surrounded by so many inspiring people.
One of the people I’m most in awe of is Aleks, my cousin and co-writer; for teaching me the art of being yourself no matter the cost, for indulging my whims and creating a space for me to feel safe in my crazy. For allowing me to dream and dreaming with me.
His talent is immeasurable, his kindness is effortless, his heart golden, and making music would be way less fun without him around.
Quick shoutout to my younger self for getting me this far in life. She’s always protected me, and I will honour that by making sure she succeeds.

٥. What is your motto?

If I’m too much, go find less.

٥. Blu Fiefer

Blu Fiefer is a trailblazing Lebanese-Mexican force, redefining today’s landscape of music and visual storytelling. As a pioneering artist, music producer, director and the brains behind the independent record label ‘Mafi Budget,’ she has spent over 15 years pushing artistic boundaries across multiple disciplines. Her upcoming album, Villain Bala Cause, unfolds as a series of singles with interconnected music videos, offering a bold narrative journey that delves into identity and societal critique, deeply rooted in her Arab heritage. With a fearless, non-conformist spirit, Blu continues to challenge norms and reshape perceptions with her genre-bending music and visionary projects, solidifying her legacy as a true powerhouse in the regional music scene.

١. Favourite

1. Character from fiction? Daenerys Targaryen. She wanted to change the world, but the world changed her first. Also, dragons.
2. Flavour? Sweet and sour. Because why choose between pleasure and pain when you can have both? Like a bad decision and a good song.
3. Stress reliever? Kicking a** in the morning and taking names in the evening.
4. Latest invention? Noise cancelling everything. Silence is a luxury.

٢. Least Favourite

1. Word? 3a2belik…. Leave me alone. 
2. Food? Canned tuna. How???
3. Feeling? Betrayal. Stream ‘Khatar’ on all platforms.
4. Sound? Bombs. I still hear them in my sleep.

٣. How do you define love?

٤. Who is the person you most admire and why?

Anyone who builds something out of nothing. Creation in the face of destruction is the ultimate rebellion.

٥. What is your motto?

VILLAIN BALA CAUSE  (also the name of my album).