Rust is an electronic duo consisting of producer Hany Manja from Syria and vocalist Petra Hawi from Lebanon, both based in Prague, Czech Republic. Their musical project blends electronic music with traditional Arabic melodies and ethereal vocals, a style they call ‘Electro-Tarab’. They create unique, captivating soundscapes, often featuring collaborations and performances in Europe and the Middle East.

The new album "Diaspora" is a map of the journeys, both internal and external, that have shaped Rust’s music over the last few years. This album release brings together nine tracks that explore the tension between where we come from and where we are now. From the reimagined echoes of Arabic classics to the raw and personal stories, these songs are an expression of love, frustration, and survival. Also available from early April 2026 as a limited edition vinyl, released on Rebel Up Records.

About the songs:

1. Badihiyat
Badihiyat refers to an attempt to describe pure love, something that seems simple and obvious at first glance. However, it’s rare for all the small, seemingly insignificant details to come together until one reaches the state of intoxicated love.

2. Mataha
Lost in the labyrinth of uncertainty, the song echoes the struggle of navigating through an unpredictable world, where every turn feels like a dead end.

3. Laa
Laa is about feeling stuck between the version of us that messed up and the version of us trying to fix it, while you’re just sitting there waiting for things to change.

4. Diaspora
Diaspora captures the emotional experience of living far from home, carrying the weight of memories and emotions on repeat. The chorus features a lullaby Petra’s parents used to sing to her as a child, adding a nostalgic connection to her roots.

5. Mamnua’t
Mamnua't plays with the tension between what we truly think and what we’re not supposed to say out loud. With a touch of sarcasm, the track boldly says ‘no’ to the systems and traditions that hold us back.

6. Yamal Alsham
Yamal Alsham is a reimagined Syrian traditional song, dedicated to the free people of Syria.

7. Saat
Saat explores the contradictions of human emotions and captures the shifting tides of love and hate.

8. Sibouni
A reimagined Egyptian traditional song by Said Darwish.

9. Biridak
A reimagined Egyptian traditional song by the late great Egyptian diva Um Kulthoum.

Lebanese-Syrian duo Rust unveil Masar (Arabic for “pathway”), a five-track EP reimagining the evocative poetry of Lebanese poet Jana Salloum through the duo’s signature contemporary Arabic electronica.

Rooted in the intricate journey of the Arab woman, the EP delves deep into themes of identity, resilience, and self-discovery. Salloum’s stirring verses capture the multifaceted struggles and triumphs of Arab womanhood, while Rust have masterfully transformed these narratives into a rich, pulsating soundscape, melding innovative electronic rhythms with timeless traditional melodies to craft an immersive sonic experience.

At its core, Masar is defined by a haunting interplay of sound and verse—a dynamic balance of darkness and light. Petra El Hawi’s haunting vocals and Hany Manja’s warm Oud infuse each track with an authenticity and depth that both honors their shared heritage while venturing boldly into the future. Each piece radiates its own distinct energy, yet together they form a seamless, emotive journey that bridges legacy with innovation.

With Masar, Rust and Salloum deliver a powerful, poetic tribute to Arab women, amplifying their voices, celebrating their stories, and redefining the essence of Arabic heritage through a contemporary lens.