Jeddah: Saudi singer-songwriter Tamtam has released a song “Drive” on her YouTube channel 2 days ago to support women’s driving in Saudi Arabia.
The 25-year-old, who is based in Los Angeles, told Gulf News that she was beyond excited when she heard about the royal decree announcing the decision to let women in Saudi Arabia drive legally from June 24 onwards.
“The song is inspired by Saudi women now having a bigger voice. It is about realizing how strong we are and never ever losing hope,” said Tamtam, who learned to drive at age of 18 while studying economics at the University of California, San Diego.
The 4-minute video kicks off with Tamtam and her two girlfriends cruising around Orange County in a vintage yellow Mustang convertible as quintessential Californian girls.
The peppy number has pop overtones and metaphorical lyrics such as “Coz we know what we want…We know it’s our time…Let go of past perceptions tomorrow is mine…We got drive pushin through the limits We ride… Ya we have dreams… And everyday we makin Em real …”
It took Tamtam only 30 minutes to write the chords and the lyrics to the song because “I was so inspired and happy!”
The song was produced by Siren and directed by Mackenzie Mccullough. The video, which took several hours to shoot, was shot in Laguna Beach in California. Tamtam said she was grateful to her team - Yanin Gonzalez, Chris Name, and Taylor Lacayo – for making it possible.
The song has received great response from music lovers, especially Saudi women.
Underneath the video of Drive, a Saudi woman Riemma commented, "Can't wait to drive and play this in my car." At midnight local time, the ban will be lifted and Saudi women will cruise into the night. “I’m so happy the time has come. I’m proud of my country for lifting the ban, and for showing us that it’s our time now; and I’m also so proud of the women in my country for being brave, for knowing how strong we are, and for constantly having the drive that keeps pushing us forward to make positive change,” said Tamtam.
