Buzz

Hozier’s ‘Swan Upon Leda’ Inspired by Egyptian Journalist Mona Eltahawy

mm
Hozier’s ‘Swan Upon Leda’ Inspired by Egyptian Journalist Mona Eltahawy

Talking Blues With Hozier, A One-Man Irish Invasion : NPR
Hozier | Photo Credit: NPR

Irish singer-songwriter Hozier announced the release of ‘Swan Upon Leda’, a single set to drop on 7 October. The track, according to Hozier, was inspired by feminist author and journalist Mona Eltahawy.

“Egyptian journalist and author Mona Eltahawy once referred to the global systems that control and endanger women as the world’s ‘oldest form of occupation,’” wrote Hozier on his Twitter. “Ever since hearing her speak in Dublin, I wanted to explore that thought in a piece.”

Mona Eltahawy på Twitter: "So @Hozier is my favourite famous person ever and a great feminist ally too thanks to @SAFEIreland #Dublin https://t.co/m4orbHn0vJ" / Twitter
Hozier and Mona Eltahawy | Photo Credit: Mona Eltahawy

Eltahawy is a prominent figure in Egypt’s feminist circles, as a commentator and author who tackles women’s issues, and Islamic political and social affairs. She is an award winning columnist, whose books include ‘Headscarves and Hymens’ (2015) and ‘The Seven Necessary Sins for Women and Girls’ (2019).

I want patriarchy to fear women': Mona Eltahawy says the time for being civil, peaceful and polite is over | CBC Radio
Eltahawy | Photo Credit: CBC

‘Swan Upon Leda’ was recorded during the overturning of Roe v. Wade – a United States Supreme Court decision which revoked women’s right to safe and legal abortion. Hozier explained that he “felt like there was an opportunity to offer some show of solidarity.”

In addition to Eltahawy’s influence and Roe v. Wade, Hozier goes on to cite the Iranian woman killed for her hijab.

“We’re reminded again,” he wrote, “by the protests in Iran that progressivism is a global movement. The recent push backs against civil liberties and Human Rights respect no boundaries or borders, and like all acts of control, violence and indeed all forms of occupation, their legacies can be immeasurable in both personal and political spheres.”

Born Andrew John Hozier-Brynet, Hozier is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who rose to fame in 2013 with his brooding, soulful single ‘Take Me To Church’. Since then, he has released several EPs and albums, and earnt a Grammy nomination in 2015.

Fall Harvest: Zaghloul Date Season in Egypt
10 Traditional Egyptian Recipes by Everyday Women on YouTube

Subscribe to our newsletter


Buzz
mm

With a heart for radio and an appetite for culture, Mona is a writer and illustrator based in Cairo. At the Erasmus University Rotterdam, she obtained a BSc and MA in Media, Culture, and Society, while actively writing for the faculty magazine. After graduating, Mona was an academic advisor at the American University in Cairo, as well as Managing Director of a small, campus-based advertising firm. Gears shifting, her knack for cultural research took over - enter: Egyptian Streets. Mona’s focus is tapered to issues of identity politics, culture, and social architecture.

More in Buzz

Social Media Reacts to Vodafone Egypt Mother’s Day Advertisement

Amina Abdel-Halim21 March 2023

Will Egypt be Home to the World’s Largest Man-Made River?

Egyptian Streets20 March 2023

Interview with UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini: Resolving the Israel-Palestine conflict continues to be a priority for Egypt

Amina Abdel-Halim20 March 2023

Egypt’s Giza and Saqqara Among 2023 World’s Greatest Places: TIME

Egyptian Streets17 March 2023

Explainer: How Can Egyptians Abroad Import Tax-Free Cars to Egypt?

Egyptian Streets16 March 2023

Translating Sound: Towards an Accessible Cinema for Egypt’s Deaf Audiences

Amina Abdel-Halim13 March 2023

Social Media Reacts: On International Women’s Day, Anghami Removed All Music by Women

Farah Rafik11 March 2023

In Photos: a Kaleidoscope of Egypt’s Trades and Crafts

ES Buzz6 March 2023