After overcoming adversity and putting in hard work, Libyan singer-songwriter Bahjat compels on his catchy, infectious single, “Do you remember me?”

“Do you remember me? (Do you, do you? Do you, Do you?).”  Sometimes, you can simply listen to music – a specific song – and it makes you smile.  That’s the case with “Do you remember me?”, a record arriving courtesy of independent Libyan singer/songwriter, Bahjat.  While “Do you remember me?” isn’t all happy lyrically, it’s infectiousness just makes you feel awesome, period.  What makes the smile expand even more is hearing the adversity that the 22-year old has faced and overcome in his young life – he escaped war in his native country at the age of 15 – and the drive and hunger he has to be the next big thing in music.

“Do you remember me?” has a simple premise. It’s a record about “missing someone whose memory keeps on haunting you.” Bahjat goes on to say that, basically, the title is “the text message that I never sent the person.”  Naturally, the unsent text is the perfect pop hit, while the single itself definitely reflects the rising artist’s time spent working with Max Martin and Johan “Shellback” at Musikmakarna, a pop music academy in Sweden, where Bahjat is currently based.

“I just go back to our conversations

Just to pretend you’re here

I go back to our favorite places

Just to pretend you’re near…”

The sound of the record is bright and optimistic; there’s a bubbly nature about it.  Even though Bahjat is reminiscing back on all things he misses from his ex-, he does so lightheartedly, almost as if singing about it is therapeutic – atonement if you will.  His vocals are smooth and easy-going, with a boyish, youthful quality that is tailor-made for pop and dance music. Matching his charismatic performance is the slick dance, electro-pop production work. That production is comprised of colorful synths, as well as world music/tropical cues.  Additionally, Bahjat serves up some great ad-libs, keeping things tasteful and never forcing it.

Final Thoughts 

If you don’t know who Bahjat is, well, you need to totally get on the bandwagon.  This kid is a star in the making.  His hunger, passion, and work ethic are inspiring. Beyond that, he has the total package, led by his exuberant, youthful voice. Give this young man some love – he’s got next.

Bahjat • Do you remember me? – Single • Bahjat • Release: 8.27.18

Photo Credit: Bahjat

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