Asfar Shamsi is offering a refreshing dose of optimism with the release of his new EP, Cuicui, a project described as a natural and revitalizing blend of chanson and hip-hop. Released on , the EP is already garnering attention for its lyrical depth and melodic appeal.
The EP’s standout track, “Ses Yeux,” delves into themes of disillusionment and the search for hope. The lyrics, which grapple with a world increasingly defined by negativity – “J’regarde le monde comme si c’était mon fardeau, J’vois que le pas beau” (“I look at the world as if it were my burden, I see that it’s not beautiful”) – are counterbalanced by a hopeful refrain. The artist finds solace in another’s perspective: “Mais elle elle me dit que la vie c’est joli, J’fais confiance à ses yeux” (“But she tells me that life is beautiful, I trust her eyes”). This sentiment echoes a passage from Bernanos’ Dialogues des carmélites, where it’s written, “What the voice can hide, the gaze reveals.”
Shamsi’s ability to transform collective memories into relatable refrains is a key element of his artistry. Cuicui marks his arrival at the label “Tôt ou Tard,” and builds on the momentum of his recent single, “2006,” which has been featured on France Inter’s playlist. “2006” is noted for its nostalgic energy and pop sensibility, referencing the sounds and aesthetics of the early 2000s.
The release of Cuicui is accompanied by a robust touring schedule. Shamsi is set to perform at the Marché Gare in Lyon on , and at the Europavox festival on . Additional concert dates include performances at the Festival Avec le Temps in Marseille, Le Grand Mix in Tourcoing, Espace Django Reinhardt in Strasbourg, Festival Mythos in Rennes, Festival Chorus in Boulogne-Billancourt, Printemps de Bourges, Les Aralunaires in Arlon, Festival Les 3 éléphants in Laval, and Les Nuits Botanique in Brussels. The tour kicks off with a performance at the Festival Antigel in Geneva on .
Asfar Shamsi’s music is characterized by a sensitive and contemporary lyrical style. His work resonates with a generation grappling with the complexities of modern life, offering a blend of vulnerability and resilience. The EP’s title, Cuicui, itself suggests a playful yet introspective quality, hinting at the nuanced emotional landscape explored within the tracks.
The digital release of Cuicui is , and runs for a total length of 21 minutes and 23 seconds. The EP is available in digital format. The artist is represented by tôt Ou tard distribution.
Beyond the concert dates already announced, Asfar Shamsi’s spring and summer schedule is packed with festival appearances, signaling a significant period of visibility for the rising artist. His ability to connect with audiences through honest and relatable songwriting positions him as a compelling voice in the contemporary French music scene.
The lyrics to “Ses Yeux” reveal a deeply personal struggle with perspective and self-worth. Lines like “Vu c’que j’en fais j’suis pas sûre que j’les mérites” (“Given what I do with them, I’m not sure I deserve them”) and “J’focalise plus sur les nuages qu’les oiseaux” (“I focus more on the clouds than the birds”) paint a picture of someone wrestling with inner demons and a sense of disconnection. However, the recurring motif of trusting “her eyes” offers a glimmer of hope and a reminder of the power of human connection.
Asfar Shamsi’s music is available on Spotify, where his latest album, Février (released in 2023), and previous works like Pistolet avec les doigts and La crise (both released in 2025) can be found alongside the new EP, Cuicui. His most recent album release prior to Cuicui was Le dilemme du hérisson in 2025.
