Shkoon

Shkoon is a Hamburg-based electronic music duo formed by Ameen Makarem and Thorben Niendorf. Blending deep house, downtempo, and oriental melodies, they are celebrated for their unique fusion of traditional Middle Eastern music with modern electronic production. Their journey began in 2015 when Syrian-born Ameen and German musician Thorben met in Germany, finding common ground through a shared passion for improvisation and cross-cultural soundscapes.

Shkoon’s sound is marked by the use of soulful piano, ethereal synths, and haunting vocals—often sung in Arabic and English. They reinterpret ancient Levantine folk songs, classical Arabic poetry, and their own lyrics, infusing them with powerful grooves and atmospheric layers. Their breakthrough self-released tracks and mixtapes quickly garnered an international following, leading to performances at renowned festivals like Fusion, ADE, and Cairo Jazz Club.

Their debut album “Rima” (2019) drew critical acclaim for its organic warmth, emotive storytelling, and seamless genre-blending. On stage, Shkoon is known for immersive live sets that blend live instrumentation, improvisation, and electronic textures, often accompanied by lush visual productions. The duo has become a symbol of cultural exchange in the electronic scene, using their music to bridge communities and create space for diverse stories.

Shkoon continues to inspire audiences worldwide, advocating for unity and creative freedom while pushing the boundaries of electronic and world music.