Born in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and based in Los Angeles, Tamtam, whose birth name is Reem Altamimi, is a singer-songwriter known for her soulful and socially conscious music. Gearing up to release five introspective tracks in January 2022, Tamtam sings in both English and Arabic, reflecting her bicultural background.
Her song ‘Ismak’ invites listeners into her kaleidoscopic world, embracing her strengths and flaws. “‘Ismak’ means ‘your name’ in the masculine form in Arabic. It’s about the power that comes with loving every part of myself,” Tamtam explains.
Tamtam became one of the first Saudi singers to perform at the Libera Music Awards in 2022, presented by the American Association of Independent Music. Her music often bridges the cultural divide between East and West, focusing on themes of identity, gender equality, freedom, and empowerment. Known for her natural beauty and distinctive bleached, fuzzy coils, Tamtam’s appearance points to her Arabian roots.
In 2022, she premiered her single and video “Rise,” directed by Saudi-born actor and director Meshal Al Jaser, exploring the theme of arranged marriage. This followed her single “Drive,” released to coincide with the new Saudi laws allowing women to drive, a meditation on women’s liberation.
As a Global Change Ambassador for Roundtable Global, Tamtam performed at the organization’s first Los Angeles Global Youth Awards, joining leaders and activists dedicated to global change. She also performed alongside Grammy award-winning British soul singer Joss Stone at Kuwait Rising in 2018, a festival celebrating emerging music from the Arab world.
Inspired by music icons like Michael Jackson, Tamtam began exploring her voice at eleven and launched her career at fifteen with her first single “Little Girl,” produced by Zahed Sultan. Despite initial reservations from her Saudi community, she courageously pursued her passion, adopting the moniker Tamtam—a nickname referencing an African drum—symbolizing her rhythmic and vibrant musical journey.
