Rising artist Alain Mékani proves you don’t have to choose one language—or one passport—to make globally resonant pop. His latest single “Tallou Hbabna,” an authorized adaptation of the late Zaki Nassif’s beloved classic, turns nostalgia into neon while honoring its Levantine roots.
“I write in three languages because some emotions need more than one passport.” – Alain Mékani
This 2:20-minute collaboration with producer Rayan Bailouni really showcases Alain Mékani’s knack for bridging cultural divides. There’s something immediately captivating about how his signature vocal style, when paired with contemporary production, creates what listeners are calling an “addictive” sound that breathes new life into traditional Lebanese music for today’s international audience.
Born Alain Homère Mecherkany in Beirut and now based in Dubai, Mékani has spent years developing a distinctive sound that weaves together French, Arabic, and English lyrics with oriental motifs and Western production. Since his debut with “Fool” in late 2023, he’s steadily released a string of emotionally charged works that critics have described—rather poetically—as “melancholic awakening.”
“I grew up in a trilingual household—Arabic with my mom, French with my dad, and English MTV hits on TV,” Mékani explains. After his father’s passing in 2015, songwriting transformed from hobby to therapy. “I moved to Dubai, worked a 9-to-5 in marketing, and quietly taught myself production on nights and weekends until I was able to produce demos,” he adds.
Along his journey in music (which is still relatively young), Mékani has already released several notable projects including “hold me (split brain),” “IF ONLY YOU WERE HERE,” and “Walking Away.” Each track, in its own way, reflects his commitment to emotional authenticity across linguistic and cultural boundaries.
Ask Alain about his sound and he answers with an easy confidence. “Trilingual alt-pop: Arabic roots, French elegance, English hooks.” He pauses, then elaborates with a vivid image: “Imagine Fairuz melodies dragged through neon synths and 808s, with lyrics that sit somewhere between a love-letter and a therapy session.” It’s a fitting description for music that crosses so many boundaries. Behind this mixing of cultures lies a deeper purpose – creating what he describes as “a safe place to park heavy feelings.” Whether it’s loss, heartbreak, or the identity crisis that comes with straddling multiple worlds, Mékani hopes listeners might “walk away lighter” after spending time with his songs.
Mékani draws from a diverse set of influences. The Lebanese icons Fairuz and Zaki Nassif, he says, taught him the fundamentals of “Lebanese storytelling.” He also points to more recent artists who’ve shaped his approach. There’s Stromae, who he credits for proving that “multilingual pop can top charts” – clearly something that resonates with his own work. Naika’s music particularly speaks to him; her blend of “French, English, and Afro-Caribbean rhythms” mirrors his own cross-cultural style. And while he might not sound immediately similar to The Weeknd, he admires what he calls those “cinematic synths” and the unflinching lyrical honesty – elements that subtly inform his own emotional palette.
With “Tallou Hbabna,” Alain Mékani has created more than just a modern interpretation of a classic—he’s crafted a statement in sound about cultural identity in an increasingly borderless world. His upcoming releases (five singles planned this year) promise to dive even deeper into cross-cultural, mental-health honesty, alongside television and live appearances.
For those interested in exploring more, visit his website or follow him on Instagram and TikTok.
