‘Hey Habibi’ arrives as lead single from Etaf’s debut album alongside music video

London-based Kuwaiti artist Etaf has released the first single and accompanying video from their forthcoming debut album ‘Don't Call Me Baby’, due out on 26 September.

Titled ‘Hey Habibi’, the single is described by Etaf as a deeply personal reflection on emotional and physical transition. Drawing on themes of identity, the track traces a journey from Hijabi to bohemian, addressing gender expression, body image, and self-acceptance.

“‘Hey Habibi’ also articulates my eating disorder that I grappled with for years, and it clarifies how it's associated with my gender dysmorphia and social fatphobia. The song is about embracing who I am now as an Arab who is free in their gender expression after years of navigating it,” Etaf said in a press statement.

The single is accompanied by a video directed by Riffy Ahmed, showcasing vibrant visuals and bold character portrayals from the SWANA scene. The clip explores themes of love and identity while pushing against traditional gender and cultural norms through a playful yet thought-provoking lens.

Known for blending Khaleeji influences with contemporary production, Etaf’s sound weaves Arabic scales and rhythms into modern compositions. With ‘Hey Habibi’, the artist continues to shape a musical language that challenges conventions while staying grounded in cultural nuance.

Watch the video below and stream the single here.