Rime Salmi: "Batwanes Beek"
Moroccan-Canadian Artist Rime Salmi of MIH Records has released a music video for her latest single, a cover of nostalgic classic “Batwanes Beek.”
It features Rime and three well-known dancers in the Montreal LGBTQ scene proudly using the city as an urban catwalk. Vibrant colours, aesthetic wide shots, and evocative closeups are shot across the backdrop of Montreal’s beautiful urban art spaces.
The video is a statement of solidarity and a push for visibility of the global LGBTQ community by celebrating music, dance, authenticity, and pride in an urban landscape. The video is testament to being proud of every part of who you are, from your heritage and story to who and how you love.
Director Reda Lahmouid says, “A fusion of beauty, self-acceptance, flamboyance, and unapologetically, taking over the public space to show the world that we are here, we exist in our diversity, and we won't hide!”
A strong LGBTQ ally, Rime says, “This video is a scream. This video is a statement. This video is a manifesto. Arab LGBTQ+ people exist, love and love one another... and it’s something to celebrate.”
“Batwanes Beek” features the perfect blend of traditional Middle-Eastern strings that dance happily on Afrocentric rhythms. This song establishes Rime (pronounced ‘Reem’) as a leader in her own new lane of Afro-pop, the perfect West and North African musical marriage. To Rime, who was born in Morocco and raised in Canada, the song is an ode to loving every part of ourselves: embracing the culture we come from as much as the one we grow up in. It was natural for Rime to want to turn this Arabic classic by superstar Warda into her very own upbeat Afro-pop anthem.
About Rime: Rime Salmi is a singer/songwriter who’s music is full of the energy she exudes. Her music channels the fusion between her Moroccan Heritage and Canadian upbringing. Her live performance combines belly dancing, Afro-centric dancing and powerful vocals. Her single "Don't Wanna Hear It" featuring Nigerian- American artist Meaku recently hit #2 on the Worldwide iTunes Charts. She is also the founder and CEO of MIH records.
The video was directed by critically acclaimed director Reda Lahmouid and edited by Medhi Gribi of MG Productions. It features dancers Toshiro, Castro and Polaco. Make-up and costume design by Keven Chi. Hair, hair design and accessories by Stéphanie Goguen.
Have a listen and connect with Rime Salmi on social media:
