The American-Armenian art-rap collective Samuum has released their latest single, ‘Coffee Cup Reading (Yaman, Pt. 2)’, now available on all major platforms. Accompanying this release is a thought-provoking music video that further enhances the song’s themes.
Founded by filmmaker and musician Ando Berberian alongside singer Lusine Kocharian, Samuum’s music merges Middle Eastern influences with elements of rap, rave, punk, and ethnic melodies, crafting a sound that is both distinct and compelling. Their work has garnered attention from notable outlets, including Clash Magazine, Headliner US, KALTBLUT, Fred Perry Subculture, and Louder Than War.
The new single addresses the collective experience of anxiety, particularly prevalent in the Middle East. In a region marked by uncertainty, ‘Coffee Cup Reading’ reflects on how individuals grapple with the anxiety of daily life, where even the most mundane actions, like sipping coffee, can carry profound implications. The song draws from the cultural practice of coffee ground reading—an intimate ritual that serves both as a source of comfort and reflection amid chaos.
In their own words, Samuum states, “Nothing’s permanent in this region. Regimes rise and fall faster than your last playlist shuffle… It’s the small, vital rituals that keep us sane. Reading coffee grounds is one of those rituals: half-mystic, half-playful, but quietly comforting.”
The accompanying music video, directed by Berberian and Alisa Zolonz, presents a narrative that juxtaposes a typical Middle Eastern cityscape with themes of surveillance and modernity. The visual journey highlights a group of young women navigating through their environment, revealing layers of reality that prompt introspection on issues of freedom and agency.
Lusine Kocharian, who gained prominence with her participation on The Voice of Ukraine in 2017, uses her platform to challenge cultural norms and advocate for women’s rights and freedoms in the Middle East.
Promising more music in 2026, ‘Coffee Cup Reading (Yaman, Pt. 2)’ marks a significant step in Samuum’s artistic evolution. Fans and newcomers alike can look forward to the collective’s continued exploration of their cultural identity through their art.
