British artist Sting has released on Wednesday the EP ‘Desert Rose Reimagined’, which includes three new remixes and extended mixes of his iconic track ‘Desert Rose’, from the album ‘Brand New Day’ (1999).
For this reinterpretation of one of his greatest hits, the 74-year-old English musician has worked with colleagues such as Bedouin, Zakes Bantwini and Darque.
As its title indicates, Sting’s new EP reinvents ‘Desert Rose’ to transform his original pop style into versions closer to electronica, house or chill, with a production that also adds ethnic sounds.
The remix by the Bedouin duo – Tamer Malki and Rami Abousabe – draws, as Sting’s website explains, from the “cinematic spirit” of the original track, but elevates it to a new soundscape with deep house beats that accentuate its new North African flavor.
Grammy-winning South African producer Zakes Bantwini brings “rhythmic alchemy” to his version of ‘Desert Rose’, having stood out for years as an Afro-house pioneer with hits such as the multi-platinum ‘Osama’.
Fellow South African producer and DJ Darque delves into his compatriot’s line to revitalize Afro-house with his “distinctive vision” in this remix, which brings Sting’s song closer to the continent’s electronica and places it on par with Darque’s anthems like ‘Areyeng’ or ‘Emaweni’.
The former founder of ‘The Police’ created ‘Desert Rose’ with Algerian composer Cheb Raba (stage name Rabah Zarradine), while the vocals were provided by raï singer Cheb Mami to combine Arabic influences, Algerian folk and Western sounds.
The song reached the Top 50 on the Billboard Hot 100 and entered the Top 10 on charts around the world. It was part of Sting’s sixth solo album, ‘Brand New Day’, which went triple platinum and won Grammy awards for Best Pop Album and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance, reported Agencia EFE.
Find out more at ‘QueOnnda.com’.
