"HABEEBY LEH" may be TUL8TE's global breakthrough single, but it's also a very important part of who he is. Both the song and its music video pay tribute to the viral masked artist's home country of Egypt, from several sonic nods to Egyptian pop icon Amr Diab to a visual filmed on the streets of Cairo. But the popularity of "HABEEBY LEH" has rapidly expanded beyond Egypt's borders.
In the two months since the music video launched on YouTube, "HABEEBY LEH" has racked up over 12 million views as of press time. The song — a track on TUL8TE's second album, Cocktail Ghena'y — also has over 10 million streams on Spotify, over 8 million streams on regional platform Anghami, and has been used in over 61,000 videos on TikTok.
For an independent artist in the Middle East and North Africa performing in Arabic, those are eye-popping numbers. What's even more remarkable is that all of this happened organically, without a single dollar spent on marketing or promotion for the Cocktail Ghena'y's release — a global success for regional talent rarely seen without support from a major label.
While Arab artists in diaspora communities, such as Palestinian-Chilean singer Elyanna and Moroccan pop star DYSTINCT, have helped bring Arabic music to the global forefront in recent years, TUL8TE is doing so in a way his peers aren't. Based in Egypt, his homegrown approach brings the language and the music straight from the Middle East and North Africa directly, organically tapping into the cultural zeitgeist and building a grassroots foundation on his own.
Of course, a major part of his appeal is also thanks to his anonymity. TUL8TE has become known for his wearing a white knit mask, only adding to the intrigue around the Egyptian sensation. But in TUL8TE's eyes, his physical identity isn't important to his artistry.
"It doesn't matter who the performer is, what matters is how the listener interprets the music and lyricism. It has resonated with people of all cultures, and that is what matters," TUL8TE emphasizes to GRAMMY.com. "Music is for the people."
Since debuting in May 2023 with his first EP, MAGHOOL, the singer's global appeal has increased with each release. While his first album, TESH SHABAB, saw success in the Middle East, it was Cocktail Ghena'y that cemented him as the new face of Gen Z Arab pop.
The project emphasized his musical versatility even more than its predecessors; the first half of Cocktail Ghena'y features elements of flamenco and Arab rhythms, while the second half weaves trap- and R&B-inspired beats with melancholic melodies to help his silky voice shine. As the LP shows, TUL8TE's modern take on Arabic music makes his sound as relatable to people in his community as it is to listeners around the world — which is exactly why he's on the path to global superstardom.
In his first official interview, TUL8TE spoke with GRAMMY.com about the global success of Cocktail Ghena'y, his artistic vision, and why he'll always stay true to his roots.
Your album Cocktail Ghena'y has achieved massive global success. How does it feel to see your music reach listeners beyond Egypt and even beyond the Middle East and North Africa?
It's incredibly rewarding to see the music I created in my bedroom resonate with people around the world. Knowing that listeners from different cultures and backgrounds connect with my work is both humbling and creatively energizing. It pushes me to keep evolving and making music with even more passion.
Within the emerging Arabic scene, we've seen diaspora Arab artists gain global success. What does it mean to see you, as a homegrown artist from the region, achieve such a growing fanbase at a rapid pace—all organically? Did you ever imagine this kind of global attention?
Honestly, I never imagined my music would receive this level of global attention. I was simply focused on enjoying the creative process, staying true to myself, and hopefully inspiring others, especially younger generations. To see this response has been an incredible blessing, not just for me but for those who have supported me along the way.
Throughout your album, you vulnerably explore the rollercoaster of emotions when going through love and loss. What is your writing process like, and how did you decide to candidly open up in this way on the album?
My writing process is deeply personal, and I strive for authenticity in every track. Love and loss are universal experiences, and I wanted to express those emotional highs and lows in a raw and honest way. I believe that vulnerability allows for a deeper connection with listeners, and that was my goal—to create something people can genuinely relate to.
Your album is divided into two distinct sounds: one that is reminiscent of '90s Amr Diab with a cultural blend of Arab instruments and Spanish flamenco, and the other more experimental with elements of trap and R&B akin to Travis Scott. Can you share a little bit about why the album is broken up this way and how you decided to take this approach?
I've always been drawn to blending genres that reflect my own diverse musical influences. The album naturally evolved into a mix of sounds—on one hand, there's the nostalgic nod to artists like Amr Diab who shaped my upbringing, and on the other, there's a more experimental side that reflects my passion for modern genres like flamenco, bossa nova, and psychedelic rock, et cetera. It wasn't a calculated decision, but rather an organic reflection of what I enjoy and consider good music.
Speaking of Amr Diab, it's clear that you have an affinity with his music, and we've seen you pay homage to him in your music videos. Can you tell me a bit about the impact he has had on you and your music?
Amr Diab is a legendary artist and a profound inspiration for me. He embodies the power of self-belief and shows how it can lead to extraordinary achievements. His innovative spirit and willingness to experiment with different genres have paved the way for younger generations, including myself.
With this massive global audience, do you feel a responsibility to represent the new wave of Egyptian and Arab artists to the world and to be the face of this scene?
I'm honored to be part of a movement that's showcasing the richness of our culture to a global audience. But I try not to get too caught up in the idea of being a "representative." My focus is on staying authentic to my own creative journey and letting the music speak for itself. That's where I find the most joy and fulfillment.
Who are some of the people that you credit for getting you into music and getting your career going?
I owe a lot to the support of friends and family, but I have to specifically mention Lege-Cy and Hady Moamer. Their guidance in the early stages of my career opened my eyes to different ways of creating music, and that foundation has been instrumental in shaping who I am as an artist today.
Are you planning to go on tour and perform your music in front of a live audience?
Absolutely! Performing live has always been a dream of mine, and I'm fully committed to making that happen. There's something magical about sharing that energy with a live audience.
Do you feel like you've made it? What's next for you?
The concept of "making it" is fluid. There's always more to learn, more to create, and more to accomplish, so I wouldn't say I've made it just yet. My focus is on continuing to grow, staying true to what I love, and seeing where that takes me next.