Souad Massi Unveils Captivating New Track ‘Samt’ from Upcoming Album ‘Zagate’

French-Algerian musical icon Souad Massi has made a stunning comeback with her latest single, “Samt” (Silence), a captivating glimpse into her upcoming album, Zagate, scheduled to drop on March 6, 2026, courtesy of BackingTrack and Proper Distribution. This mesmerizing track, accompanied by a visually rich music video directed by Yann Orhan, serves as a powerful introduction to what appears to be Massi’s most bold and candid work yet.

“Samt,” the opening piece of the album, defies the conventional interpretation of silence as a passive state. Massi presents silence as a spiritual sanctuary, offering a much-needed respite from the chaos and clamor of the contemporary world. The song features a hypnotic Afrobeat loop, with intricate guitar and percussion arrangements by producer Justin Adams (known for his work with Robert Plant and Tinariwen). The track also showcases Guy Nsangue on bass and the emotive zurna (a Middle Eastern woodwind instrument) played by Sylvain Barou, all layered beneath Massi’s powerful and poignant vocals.

The essence of “Samt” sets the tone for Zagate, titled after the French phrase “ça se gâte,” which translates to “things are getting worse.” This play on words reflects Massi’s Algerian-French roots and delves into themes of anger, rebellion, and optimism. Recorded primarily in the UK, the album reunites Massi with Justin Adams, who previously produced her acclaimed album, Sequana. Zagate features a stellar lineup, including John Baggott (from Massive Attack), Billy Fuller, and guest appearances by rappers Youssoupha and Gaël Faye.

Blending elements of folk, rock, and poetry, Zagate solidifies Massi’s reputation as the poignant voice of exile while exploring new, intense musical territories. Fans can witness Souad Massi perform her new material live at the Barbican in London on May 9.

The single “Samt” is available now for streaming, with the full album, Zagate, slated for release on March 6, 2026, through BackingTrack and Proper Distribution.