Gorillaz drop a new cross-cultural track, Damascus, featuring Syrian musician Omar Souleyman and American rapper Yasiin Bey. Listen, stream, buy the track, mp3 download.
Gorillaz shatter expectations once again with the sudden release of a new single, “Damascus,” featuring iconic Syrian folk artist Omar Souleyman and legendary American rapper Yasiin Bey. The track arrives as the first offering from their forthcoming project, “The Mountain.” Produced by the core Gorillaz team alongside James Ford, Samuel Egglenton, and Remi Kabaka Jr., the song is a masterful fusion of electronic, hip-hop, and Syrian dabke sounds. This collaboration underscores Gorillaz’s two-decade-long legacy as musical innovators who consistently bridge global genres and cultures. Damon Albarn’s virtual band has built a reputation for unexpected partnerships, but linking the raw, energetic style of Omar Souleyman with the insightful, measured flow of Yasiin Bey creates a particularly potent mix.
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Omar Souleyman brings an authentic slice of his homeland’s sound to the recording. The Syrian artist rose from performing at weddings across the Middle East to achieving international acclaim for his frenetic synthesis of traditional Syrian folk and modern electronic beats. His presence on “Damascus” roots the track in a specific cultural reality. Yasiin Bey, the artist formerly known as Mos Def, contributes his distinct voice from American hip-hop. Bey’s career, marked by groundbreaking albums like “Black on Both Sides,” has established him as a thinker and poetic force within the genre. His collaboration with Gorillaz follows his previous work with the group on “White Light,” demonstrating a lasting creative relationship. The combination results in a track that feels both geographically specific and universally resonant, a testament to the collaborative ethos Gorillaz has championed since their debut.
“Damascus” operates as a vibrant auditory journey. The production melds James Ford’s rhythmic precision with Souleyman’s signature synth lines, creating a backdrop that is both chaotic and meticulously arranged. Yasiin Bey’s verses navigate this soundscape with a calm, assured delivery, offering contrasts between global consumer culture and more grounded traditions. The song avoids nostalgia, instead presenting a forward-looking vision where disparate musical histories collide to form something entirely new. For fans and observers, this release signals that “The Mountain” will continue Gorillaz’s exploration of global music dialogues. The track is available now on all streaming platforms under the Parlophone label, setting the stage for another ambitious chapter in the ever-surprising narrative of this virtual band.
Gorillaz – Damascus (feat. Omar Souleyman & Yasiin Bey)
From the forthcoming project titled “The Mountain”
Produced by Gorillaz, James Ford, Samuel Egglenton, Remi Kabaka Jr
December 12, 2025
1 song, 4 minutes
℗ 2026 Kong
