WAKE ISLAND

May 24

Written By Ryhna Thompson

Wake Island is a music duo originally from Beirut and now based in Tiohtiá:ke/Montréal and composed of Philippe Manasseh (he/him) and Nadim Maghzal (he/him). Through their music, they attempt to reconcile their Arab roots with their North American lives, infusing Middle-Eastern sounds into a wide range of original music ranging from pop songs to electronic and ambient compositions.

Their ADISQ-nominated album Born to Leave (2021) explored identity from various personal and societal angles through songs in three languages (English, French and Arabic). Drawing inspiration from their own immigration experience to North America from Lebanon, the album captured the complex array of emotions that are part of this journey from confusion to nostalgia, anger and hope.

Wake Island has cemented its place in their local Arab and Queer scenes with their live shows, DJ sets and Laylit, a party and collective they co-founded that celebrates the diversity of music from the Arab/SWANA region and its diasporas. Featured in multiple publications including the New York Times and Pitchfork, Laylit celebrated its 5-year anniversary this year with Boiler Room events and residencies across multiple North American cities.

Wake Island’s music appeared in many series, films and exhibitions around the world. The duo also occasionally produces music for other artists from their studio in Mile End (Montreal). Since 2020, they have been focusing on interdisciplinary projects, stepping into the interactive space and further researching Arabic music theory and history.
artists (at) envisionmanagement.com