Holm is a song by Tunisian singer-songwriter Emel Mathlouthi, originally released on August 30, 2019, as part of the soundtrack for the film Les Hirondelles de Kaboul. Initially, the track didn’t receive widespread recognition and was primarily appreciated by Mathlouthi’s dedicated fanbase. Despite her contribution to the soundtrack, Emel expressed her dissatisfaction with the movie itself.

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Emel began performing “Holm” during her social media live sessions. The intimate and raw performances resonated with a broader audience, leading to a surge in the song’s popularity. Encouraged by this newfound attention, Emel recorded a new version of “Holm” in her childhood home using minimal and inexpensive equipment. This authentic rendition struck a chord with listeners, amassing over 1 million views in its first week. The song was later included in her Tunis Diaries album, where it saw even greater success.

“Holm,” which translates to “Dream” in Arabic, speaks to the aspirations and struggles of people striving for a better life. The song reflects on the dreams of freedom, justice, and peace, often against the backdrop of social and political turmoil.

“a world where dreams and love can grow so that suffering can be erased”

Composed by Anoushiravan Rouhani and written by Emel Mathlouthi