German-Syrian band Shkoon: Through music we learnt to listen and tell a story

The underground electronic scene has long been a melting pot of cultural influences, but few acts have mastered the fusion of tradition and modernity quite like the German-Syrian band Shkoon. The duo, made up of Syrian vocalist and musician Ameen Khayer and German producer Thorben Diekmann, is back with ‘Jadal’, a mesmerising track that effortlessly blends deep house, downbeat and oriental melodies.

Their music has always been an emotional rollercoaster, and ‘Jadal’ is no exception — a raw and powerful reflection of the tension and discourse that shape our world today.

This is particularly relevant in Germany, where political tensions are intensifying. The recent surge of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which won its highest-ever vote share in a national election since World War II, highlights the growing polarisation within the country. Chants of “Alice für Deutschland” filled the air as the party’s chancellor candidate Alice Weidel celebrated their success, marking a stark shift towards radicalism in the German political landscape.

With Europe witnessing a rising tide of right-wing populism, the themes of division and debate explored in ‘Jadal’ resonate on a broader scale.

Shkoon’s origin story is one of chance encounters and deep creative synergy. Ameen was imprisoned by the Assad government in his home city of Deir Ez-Zor in 2015 while studying to be a marine engineer. He was arrested at his university after being accused by a fellow student working for the secret service, due to his activism against the regime.

After spending 34 days in jail, he was released but realised that staying in Syria was no longer an option. Like hundreds of thousands of others, he made the difficult decision to leave, embarking on a perilous journey to Europe.

He eventually found himself in Hamburg, where, by chance, he ended up sharing a flat with Thorben and several others. One evening, as they relaxed in the kitchen, music brought them together. Thorben’s partner started playing, and Ameen was asked if he could sing. The moment he did, Thorben recognised something special. That spontaneous exchange led to their first performance at a fundraiser supporting people facing legal trouble for assisting refugees.

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“We had never done anything before, but I asked Ameen if he wanted to join. We locked ourselves in for a day, worked on something, and that night, we played our first gig.” From that moment, Shkoon was born — an unplanned yet organic collaboration rooted in music, storytelling and solidarity.

In Arabic, ‘Jadal’ translates to dispute; one that is tense, fraught with conflict and opposing views. The inspiration behind the song comes from the state of the world today, where conflict and division seem omnipresent. Ameen explains: “Lately, we are living in a world filled with conflict and hate for the sake of hate. When I wrote the lyrics, they came deeply from the heart, reflecting everything happening around me.”

For Thorben, these themes are just as relevant. “We are both political beings,” he says. “Everything is political in a way. And in the times we live in, this constant fight for determination, for control over discussions, is frustrating. The song reflects that struggle, that desire to step back and ask, ‘Do I join this discussion, or do I start my own?’”

Shkoon’s upcoming project, Greater Than One, expands on themes of unity, longing and transformation. What makes it unique is the way the music evolved organically through their live performances. Instead of following the traditional process of producing an album and then touring, they tested musical ideas on the road, incorporating feedback from their audiences.

“The tour shaped the songs,” Thorben shares. “We performed ideas live, observed what resonated with people, and took that energy back into the studio. We let go of rigid expectations and allowed the music to grow naturally.”

The result is a more dynamic, unpredictable sound. Ameen describes it as “different patterns, different structures,” an approach that breaks from their past work while still retaining the emotional depth that defines Shkoon.

READ: Syria calls for lifting sanctions on funds transfers to its banks

Shkoon’s music isn’t just about beats and melodies, it’s about storytelling. Ameen’s personal journey as a refugee, his experiences with imprisonment in Syria, and the broader narratives of displacement and resilience are woven into every note.

“Theatres and stages are places where people listen,” he explains. “My story in prison is small compared to many others, but I feel a responsibility to speak up, not just for myself, but for those who can’t.”

Yet, Shkoon’s music doesn’t just reflect pain – it also carries hope. Even in the darkest themes, there’s a thread of connection, a reminder that we are never truly alone in our struggles.

Despite their strong bond, Ameen and Thorben don’t always see eye to eye and that’s precisely what makes their collaboration work. “It’s not always a smooth harmony between us,” Thorben admits. “But conflict leads to resolution. It’s important to challenge each other.”

Ameen agrees, noting that working with Thorben has taught him the value of listening. “I was always a rebel, always shouting my truth. But through music, I learned that listening is just as important. If we don’t listen, we can’t sing.”

For Thorben, working with Ameen has been about finding his voice. “Ameen has always been his true self, unapologetically. He’s not an actor. That authenticity taught me to speak up for myself and for others.”

Shkoon’s music is a call for connection. It proves that sound has the power to bridge cultures, transform personal pain into collective healing, and remind us that, despite our differences, we are indeed, greater than one.

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