With “Ghayr El Kell,” Lebanese producer and singer Ray Uno steps into a new sonic chapter — one that blends Arabic lyrics with electronic energy, softness with strength. The track, and its visually striking video, explore the dualities that live within us: vulnerability and control, chaos and calm. We caught up with Ray to talk about his creative evolution, the challenges of making music in Lebanon, and what it means to stay true to your sound.
You’ve moved from your indie rock roots with WonderGaap into a more electronic, Arab pop sound. What drew you toward this shift, and how does it feel to make music that’s entirely your own?
I strongly believe that change is essential in any form of art. I’ve always been intrigued by electronic music and felt that it opens endless creative possibilities. Choosing to write in Arabic came naturally—it’s part of who I am as a Lebanese artist, and I want to embrace and empower that. My early love for indie and alternative music is still very much alive, and it continues to inspire my new solo project.
Every creative journey comes with its challenges. What have been some of yours lately, and how do you pull yourself through them?
Living in the Middle East, especially in Lebanon, is a challenge in itself. Everything feels unpredictable, and sometimes releasing music doesn’t align with the right moment. The music scene has also changed a lot — concerts no longer reach full capacity, and audiences are now more drawn to traditional Arab pop club EDM. What we really need are more organizations, venues, labels, and brands that can empower artists, support them financially, and provide platforms to showcase their work.
Ghayr El Kell” carries this mix of strength and softness. What was happening in your life or mind when you wrote it?
“Ghayr El Kell” was born out of real-life circumstances. When I wrote it, I wanted to explore how, at times, we tell ourselves things we could never say to others. Both the music and the video reflect that duality — the inner conflict that exists within every human being. This duality is also noticeable in the way I’m singing (really soft) compared to the music that has kind of strong and aggressive elements. In the middle of the song, the sound shifts completely, almost as if a different track begins, symbolizing that contrast. The visuals mirror this too — me wearing a suit in some scenes and a casual T-shirt and shorts in others — portraying two sides of the same person, constantly switching in a matter of seconds.
The music video captures a sense of inner conflict, how involved were you in shaping that visual story, and what did you want it to say?
I was deeply involved in shaping the visual story — from the concept to the smallest details, and the people from ‘Midday Visual House’executed the whole thing in a brilliant way. I wanted the video to mirror the song’s emotional depth and its sense of duality. The contrast between the two versions of myself — one in a suit and one in casual clothes — represents the internal battle we all face between who we are and who we try to be. The goal was to make viewers feel that tension, that silent dialogue happening within. It’s not just a story about me; it’s something everyone can relate to.
When listeners play “Ghayr El Kell,” what do you hope they feel — or better yet, remember — after it ends?
I want them to simply enjoy every moment of the song, relate to it in any way, and remember the catchy melodies!
Stephani Moukhaiber
Stephani Moukhaiber is the founder and CEO of Al Rawiya, a media company amplifying voices from the Levant and its diaspora. She also leads Al Rawiya Studio, the creative and strategic arm of the company, providing branding, content, and media services to clients. In addition, she serves as the Director of Programs and Operations at the 2048 Foundation, overseeing program strategy, communications, grants management, and operational excellence. Originally, Stephani worked as an organizational development consultant specializing in workplace strategy, including roles at global tech and consulting firms.
- Stephani Moukhaiber
- Stephani Moukhaiber
- Stephani Moukhaiber
- Stephani Moukhaiber
- Stephani Moukhaiber
- Stephani Moukhaiber
- Stephani Moukhaiber
- Stephani Moukhaiber
- Stephani Moukhaiber
