RAQS (105-118BPM) by Farhot

"RAQS," which translates to the Dari word for "dance," is written the same way as its Arabic original, made of the three root letters: ra qa sa - to dance. Under this premise of cultural kinship, Afghan-German producer artist Farhot is about to add another sonic layer to his discography, this time designed for the dance floor - a space where culture can be shared by many, which invites movement and connection.

While his earlier work was heavily influenced by the various traditions of hip-hop, which was later infused with sounds inspired by his Afghan roots, on "RAQS," he explores the vibrant musical heritage of mostly Arabic-speaking regions from North Africa to West Asia, where his fascination for Somali music also took him to East Africa.

Like a well versed Hip Hop producer Farhot’s approach to "RAQS" was guided by a virtual sampling journey which allowed him to connect and fuse sounds from Egypt, Lebanon or Somalia carefully woven into an EP that stands apart from his previous work but nevertheless carries his sonic signature: productions, that can sound as complex and immense as they sound playful and simple or creating intensity through unconventional ways of chopping and distorting vocals - amongst others one will find samples of Lebanese legend Fairuz dressed in an almost experimental uptempo production.

Whoever followed Farhot’s work around the release of his sophomore LP "Kabul Fire Vol. 2" via his own label Kabul Fire Records will know that he makes and releases music intentionally, especially when he samples from cultures that are often times overshadowed by conflict or simply forgotten. With "RAQS," he reminds us of the rich musical traditions that always existed beyond the West. He also reminds us of the ways that music can connect beyond borders, like an Afghan producer from Germany, who loves Somali music and Fairuz.

Afghanistan-born, Hamburg-based producer, artist, and founder of Kabul Fire Records, Farhot has been on the scene for over a decade now. He began his career working and touring with singer Nneka, also producing most of her albums to date. Farhot Productions - and more so his own releases as an artist - carry his personal signature sound, while not limiting himself to a certain genre or style.

Still, it’s safe to say that he’s firmly rooted in hip-hop culture. Farhot is one half of the producer duo "Die Achse" alongside longtime friend and collaborator Bazzazian. His impressive body of work includes productions for artists like Giggs, Kano, Isaiah Rashad, Talib Kweli, Selah Sue, 113, LOC, Haftbefehl, Xatar - and at last his own releases of Kabul Fire Vol. 1 & 2 - from which the latter of the two has been honored by The Guardian as their album of the month.

Farhot - RAQS (105-118BPM)
Release Date August 2025
Label Kabul Fire Records

Tracklist
1. MARS
2. YA SAGHIRA
3. HOOYOO (with Siriusmo)
4. YANA (with Daniel Kimaz)
5. AL QUDS (with Bazzazian)