Pauline Koning releases Arabic single “Amwaj” with stunning video in Tunisia
Dutch artist and bellydancer Pauline Koning has released her brand new Arabic single Amwaj (Waves). Known for her appearances on Holland’s Got Talent and Egyptian prime-time TV, Pauline stands out as a non-Arab artist who fully embraces Arabic music and culture with passion and authenticity.
A Dutch voice in Arabic pop
What makes Amwaj so special is that Pauline is a Dutch singer without Arabic roots, yet she performs with heartfelt vocals in the Arabic language. Her deep love for Middle Eastern music started during her art school days, when she first heard Oum Kalthoum and began learning bellydance in 2007 from Tunisian professor Dr Kaouthar Darmoni. Since then, her connection with Arabic music has only grown stronger. “I believe it is my calling from other lives,” Pauline says. “The music I create is a way of making me whole again.”
Pauline combines Arabic, Western, and Yemenite influences in her music. Inspired by iconic artists like Ofra Haza and Noa, she blends mystical melodies and rhythms with modern beats. Her trilingual talent allows her to sing Arabic songs with emotion and authenticity, even if it’s not her native language.
A video that celebrates culture and emotion
Amwaj tells the story of two souls connected by love and longing, supported by evocative rhythms and uplifting beats. The song with poetic lyrics about dreams, presence, and emotional waves is composed by Iraqi-Dutch multi-genre producer and pianist Rafil, whose work has racked up over 140 million streams, including Masri’s El 7ob Sa3b featuring Chirin and Sba7 El Kheir.
The music video, directed by award-winning filmmakers Hamdi Ben Ahmed and Chamseddine Ben Ahmed, was shot in the historic Medina of Sousse and along the Tunisian coast. It beautifully visualizes the song’s theme and Pauline’s cultural journey.
