US-based Saudi singer releases song ‘Drive’
It took Tamtam only 30 minutes to write chords and lyrics because she was ‘so inspired and happy!’
Saudi singer-songwriter Tamtam has released a song titled Drive on her YouTube channel to support women driving in Saudi Arabia.
The 25-year-old, who is based in Los Angeles, told Gulf News she was beyond excited when she heard about the royal decree announcing the decision to allow women in Saudi Arabia to drive from June 24.
“The song is inspired by Saudi women now having a bigger voice. It is about realising how strong we are and never ever losing hope,” said Tamtam, who learnt to drive at age of 18 while studying economics at the University of California, San Diego.
The four-minute video kicks off with Tamtam and her two girlfriends cruising around Orange County in a vintage yellow Mustang convertible as quintessential Californian girls. The peppy number has pop overtones and metaphorical lyrics such as “Coz we know what we want … We know it’s our time … Let go of past perceptions, tomorrow is mine … We got drive pushin through the limits We ride… Ya we have dreams… And everyday we makin ‘em real …”
It took Tamtam only 30 minutes to write the chords and the lyrics to the song because “I was so inspired and happy!”
The song was produced by Siren and directed by Mackenzie McCullough. The video, which took several hours to film, was shot in Laguna Beach in California.
The song has received great response ■ from music lovers, especially Saudi women. In the comments section of the official Drive video, a Saudi woman Riemma wrote, “Can’t wait to drive and play this in my car.”
At midnight local time on Sunday, the ban was lifted and Saudi women cruised into the night.
“I’m so happy the time has come. I’m proud of my country for lifting the ban, and for showing us that it’s our time now; and I’m also so proud of the women in my country for being brave, for knowing how strong we are, and for constantly having the drive that keeps pushing us forward to make positive change,” Tamtam said.
■ Sadiya A Nadeem is a freelance journalist based in Jeddah