London-based Lebanese artist, Maria Taktouk, has released her highly anticipated debut EP, MARIA, on Friday 7 August, 2026. The six-song collection, written in English, Arabic, and French, explores themes of identity, belonging, and love through a unique blend of contemporary pop, Middle Eastern influences, and global rhythms.
Produced alongside renowned collaborators AKA Hugo (Swedish House Mafia) and Erik Hassle (Rihanna, Shakira), MARIA showcases Taktouk’s ability to effortlessly fuse different musical styles while maintaining a sense of emotional intimacy.
“English, Arabic, and French each give me access to emotions and ideas the others don’t. I choose the language that feels most authentic to the message,” explains Taktouk.
Drawing inspiration from her multicultural upbringing and influenced by writers such as Khalil Gibran and Ella Wheeler Wilcox, Taktouk’s songwriting is a reflection of her belief that identity is not something to simplify but rather to embrace in all its complexity.
The EP features a range of songs, from the soaring vulnerability of “hurt me” to the confident pop energy of “THICK SKIN” and the hypnotic romance of “maria maria.” Each song seamlessly blends different cultures and languages, reflecting the complexity of Taktouk’s own experience growing up between Lebanese heritage and Western culture.
In anticipation of the EP’s release, Taktouk has already generated remarkable organic momentum across streaming and social platforms, with over 40,000 creator videos using her music on TikTok and over 21 million organic creator views across her releases.
To celebrate the release, Taktouk will be performing intimate live shows in London, allowing audiences to experience the songs in their most personal form.
MARIA is a testament to Taktouk’s ability to create music that exists comfortably between cultures while remaining deeply rooted in authenticity.
For more information on Maria Taktouk and to listen to MARIA, visit her website at www.mariataktouk.com.
Media Contact:
Deborah Fenstermacher
Happy Home Music
deb@happyhomemusic.com
