Episode 32: HANDSOME TIGER

The literal translation of his Arabic name, Handsome Tiger is the moniker of Vancouver-based producer and DJ Hussein Elnamer. Hussein got his start in metal bands, found dubstep and is currently fusing the genres big low-end and 140 tempos with global club and bass rhythms in an effort to “decolozine the dancfloor.” Hussein talks about growing up mixed-race in Canada – his father is from Libya and his mother is Anishinaabe Métis – and how he’s fusing indigenous sounds of pow-wow drums, chants and more into underground bass. We also talk about his artist journey, the Canadian festival circuit, the importance of dance and ritual rhythms and how connecting with his ethnic background has shaped his music. Taped live at Bass Coast Festival in Merritt BC!

Visit Handsome Tiger’s website.
Follow Handsome Tiger on Instagram.
Check out Handsome Tiger on SoundCloud.
Buy Handsome Tiger’s music on Bandcamp.

Things discussed in this episode & extras:
- Bass Coast. The Merritt B.C. festival that’s a launchpad for many Canadian bass artists.
- Nagamo. Unearth indigenous music for film, TV, ads, etcetera.
- Anishinaabe Métis. More details & history on the native Canadian group.
- Northern Cree. A pow-wow drum and singing group that Handsome Tiger has collaborated with.
- Turtle Power. More about the Lenape legend of Turtle Island.
- First Nations. Learn more about the indigenous people of Canada and locate West Coast Canadian pow-wows.

Tracks in this episode include:
DJ Shub & Handsome Tiger “Ombaashi”
Handsome Tiger - MAAJIIGI
Handsome Tiger - ACABO
Handsome Tiger - 4 Questions
Handsome Tiger - DECOLONIZE