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The Old Wave

Last release

Band biography

The Old Wave

The Old Wave is a Tunisian alternative rock band that fuses the raw energy of 90s grunge, the groove of funk rock, and oriental influences to express the emotions of the Tunisian youth. The band emerged from the alternative music scene in El Mourouj, a southern suburb of Tunis, where its members, united by a shared passion for rock, started shaping their distinctive sound.

Their debut single Nachidi - Ω†Ψ΄ΩŠΨ―ΩŠ (April 2020) introduced a fusion of Arabic and Western influences, accompanied by a CGI music video.

In July 2022, they released their first album, Behind The Bars, recorded at Wild Tunes Studios in Tunis after an artistic residency in Bizerte. The album, featuring eight tracks (including two in Arabic), delves into themes of freedom, society, and human struggles. The band faced structural challenges within Tunisia’s music industry, but their perseverance led to the successful completion of the project.

One of their standout tracks, Behind The Bars, marked a creative turning point, reinforcing their artistic cohesion. Currently, the band is actively preparing their second album, Renegade, experimenting with a new strategy of releasing singles before the full album launch.

The Old Wave performs in both English and Arabic, drawing influences from legends like Frank Zappa and the greats of 90s alternative and grunge rock. They have performed at major festivals, including the Carthage Musical Days (2023), Palm Muted Festival (2023), and Mena Rock Festival (2024).

Discography

Their debut single "π™‰π™–π™˜π™π™žπ™™π™ž - Ω†Ψ΄ΩŠΨ―ΩŠ" was released in April 2020, followed by their first album "π˜½π™šπ™π™žπ™£π™™ π™π™π™š π˜½π™–π™§π™¨" in July 2022.
On 2024, they released "π™‚π™šπ™£π™©π™‘π™šπ™’π™–π™£" from their upcoming album "π™π™šπ™£π™šπ™œπ™–π™™π™š" with a stunning animated music video.

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Members

Hatem NASRI

Vocals

Born on March 25, 1991, in Tunis, Hatem Nasri is a classically trained singer with a diploma in Arabic music. He started playing the violin at the age of 11 and later trained in opera singing under renowned professors. Over the years, he has performed at prestigious events such as the El Jem Festival, the Carthage Festival, and various international masterclasses. His extensive background in classical and operatic singing brings a unique depth to The Old Wave’s alternative rock sound​

Fourat NEFFATI

Bass

Fourat Neffati is a self-taught musician, a talented guitarist and bassist, born on June 16, 1993, in Tunis. As the co-founder of Wild Tunes Production, he plays a key role as a producer and sound engineer, contributing to numerous musical and audiovisual projects.

His expertise also extends to composition, having collaborated on various works that have left a mark on the Tunisian and international music scene.

Passionate and versatile, Fourat has played with many renowned bands such as The Old Wave, Vegas, Injazz Project, The Jukebox, The Back to Reggae Band, Old 9 School, The Crave, LOULED, and Gultrah Sound System.

With these bands, he has performed on the stages of some of the biggest festivals in Tunisia and internationally. Among his notable achievements are remarkable performances at prestigious events such as Visa for Music and Festival L'Boulevard in Morocco, the renowned Rototom Sunsplash festival in Spain, as well as memorable performances in Paris, including Tunis sur Seine and at CafΓ© de la Danse.

A committed and innovative musician, Fourat represents a new generation of Tunisian artists, blending creativity, technical skill, and passion to produce music that resonates far beyond borders.

Khalil HERMASSI

Drums

Khalil's musical journey began at the age of 10 when he discovered metal bands like Opeth, Anathema, and Dark Tranquillity. He initially picked up the guitar but later transitioned to drums at 17, exploring genres such as punk rock, grunge, funk, reggae, and hip-hop. Over the years, he performed in various Tunisian bands, covering a broad spectrum of styles. He has played in major Tunisian festivals like Carthage and Hammamet and even performed internationally at Rototom Sunsplash in Spain. His versatile drumming style and deep experience in multiple genres make him an essential part of The Old Wave's sound.

Yassine GHNIMI

Guitar

Born and raised in Tunis, Yassine grew up in a structured yet vibrant environment that shaped his strong sense of commitment. His passion for music emerged early, leading him to study traditional Tunisian music at the Mourouj Conservatory. There, he developed a deep understanding of Arabic musical scales and techniques, which later influenced his unique approach to the guitar. Drawn to the raw energy of grunge, Yassine prioritized emotion over technical complexity, crafting a distinctive playing style that balances intensity and authenticity. After moving to France in 2018, he expanded his knowledge of digital audio production while staying connected to Tunisia’s underground scene. As a co-founder of The Old Wave, he played a key role in defining the band's sonic identity, bridging cultural influences to create a sound that resonates both locally and internationally

Borhane AYED

Guitar

Born on July 20, 1993, in Marseille, Borhane was raised in a bilingual environment in El Mourouj, surrounded by both Arabic and Western musical influences. Early on, he developed a passion for both Middle Eastern and Western music, taking lessons in music and playing the Oud. During his high school years, he immersed himself in 90s rock bands like The Cranberries, Pearl Jam, and Radiohead, while also drawing inspiration from guitar legends such as Frank Zappa, Jimi Hendrix, and Carlos Santana. Later, he co-founded The Old Wave alongside his childhood friends, with a vision of merging rock with oriental and Maghrebian influences. After completing his engineering and economics studies in France, he returned to Tunisia to focus entirely on the band. He played a crucial role in the production of Behind The Bars and continues to be a driving force behind the group’s musical direction.



Media

With Karim BENAMOR

The Old Wave were invited by Karim BENAMOR to the Jwajem broadcast on Diwan FM to discuss Behind The Bars, their creative process, and future projects.

METALize emission

The Old Wave featured on RTCI’s METALize broadcast, discussing their album *Behind The Bars*, their influences, and the evolution of the Tunisian rock scene.

Concerts

The Old Wave has played extensively across Tunisia and beyond, performing in major festivals, cultural venues, and underground scenes. From intimate club shows to large-scale festivals like Carthage Musical Days, Palm Muted Festival, and Mena Rock Festival, the band has built a reputation for electrifying live performances.

Their dynamic stage presence and powerful sound continue to captivate audiences, making each show a unique experience.


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