Palestinian singers or descendants of Palestinians

This article’s sole purpose is to make known among all types of people Palestinian singers, descendants of Palestinians or those who support the Palestinian people in these difficult times. Moments that actually began to be difficult in 1948, although they have been getting worse to the point of suffering a genocide by the State of Israel and its colonization plans.

In Spain, the most famous example of support that exists in music was composed by the band Ska-P. The song Intifada, which reviewed the latest conflicts that occurred between 1987 and 2002, the year of release of the album Que corra la voz!!, summarized in those verses that said “stones against bullets, a new intifada, in the West Bank, in Gaza or in Jerusalem”. About a criminal State (and accused by several countries of genocide and apartheid in 2024), the Israeli, which has dedicated itself to destroying and colonizing every home of a Palestinian for more than half a century.

But since here I do not intend to make a historical overview of everything that happened since the League of Nations approved the British Mandate of Palestine with the intention of creating a “national home for the Jewish people” until the current Zionist dream, I invite you to know and support some emerging artists related to Palestine, whether by birth there, by being of Palestinian descent or simply by dedicating musical efforts to supporting Palestinians today.

Edit to add a special mention to Macklemore’s protest song in favor of the Palestinian cause and the pro-Palestinian university camps that began in Columbia and have spread even to other countries where governments define themselves as very democratic and are actually dedicated to sell weapons to Israel and look the other way while a genocide is carried out.

Hind’s Hall also goes to them, a title that refers to the name that some students gave to Hamilton Hall to honor the memory of the 6-year-old Palestinian girl Hind Rajab, murdered by the Israeli army after being the only survivor of the attack by some Israeli tanks against the vehicle in which she had fled with six family members. Some media outlets referred to Rajab as “woman” to report the news that she was killed, which was understood as a way of making light of what the Zionists did.

Music by singers born in Palestine, descendants of Palestinians or aware of the Palestinian cause in their songs

Explore the music selection on Spotify that celebrates the diversity and talent of Palestinian singers. These artists have not only gained recognition for their musical talent, but also for their ability to convey powerful messages and cultural awareness through their works.

You will find songs like:

• “Rajieen” by Unites 25 MENA Artists in a Resounding Ode to Palestine, a musical anthem of solidarity and protest that transcends borders and ignites a call for justice.
• “Ana dammi Falastini” (my blood is Palestinian), by Mohammad Assaf (winner of Arab Idol and very successful).
• “ميّل على بلدي” (lean on my country), a song in which Shalby Younis and Ghazal Ghrayeb talk about all areas of Palestine and their characteristics and customs.
• “Maskhara”, a very funny protest song by Bashar Murad.

Saint Levant

Saint Levant, whose real name is Marwan Abdelhamid, is a rapper born in Jerusalem and raised in Gaza who speaks and sings fluently in Arabic, French and English. With a life marked by displacement and diaspora, his music is largely fueled by all of those experiences (as shown on the EP “From Gaza, With Love”). He spent several years of his childhood in the Gaza Strip before his family moved to Jordan. He later moved to Los Angeles, where he currently resides and works on his music, which often addresses themes of exile, identity and the Palestinian struggle.

Although the rapper hit it hard on TikTok months ago, in recent weeks—as I write these words—Saint Levant’s name has appeared more on social media due to the impact of his performance at this year’s Coachella Festival, not only musically but also as an act of political and cultural representation, generating wide discussion and support on social networks.

At Coachella 2024, Saint Levant used their performance to shed light on the suffering of the Palestinian people, especially the recent conflicts in Gaza—for Saint Levant, music is personal and political. On stage he mentioned the harsh conditions faced by the people of Gaza and expressed his solidarity with Palestine. These words had quite an impact among the public, who showed their support by waving Palestinian flags and singing “Free Palestine” chants. Additionally, he performed songs that reflect his personal connection and situation in her homeland, including “Deira” and “From Gaza, With Love.”

Elyanna اليانا

Elyanna (Arabic اليانا), whose real name is Elian Marjieh, is a Palestinian-Chilean singer and songwriter born in 2002 in Nazareth. She is known for mixing cultural influences in her music, including Latin and Arabic rhythms. Elyanna has released two EPs titled “Elyanna” in 2020 and “Elyanna II” in 2022, and she is scheduled to release an album in 2024, which would include the song “Ganeni.” Although she also performed at Coachella, she has not had the same impact, despite also showing her support publicly.

Elyanna moved to California at age 15 to begin her music career and has worked hard to fight stereotypes in Arabic music, seeking to elevate the genre to global standards. She has worked with well-known producers such as Nasri and Wassim Slaiby, who have also worked with artists such as The Weeknd. Her music and personal style seek to represent and empower the Arab community, and she uses visual and fashion elements to connect with her cultural identity.

I wouldn’t say, for the moment, that she has revolutionized the musical scene with her mix of modern pop and traditional Arab sounds, but her music addresses issues of identity and belonging that, in the situation in Palestine, have a greater impact among music lovers of all the world. Because, in addition to her music, Elyanna incorporates cultural elements in her way of dressing, makeup and hairstyles. From Palestinian embroidery to the symbolic use of the Turkish eye in her music videos, for example. This reflects not only an aesthetic decision but also a tribute to her roots and a declaration of independence and female empowerment that I would also like to highlight from here.

Le Trio Joubran

Le Trio Joubran, made up of three brothers born in Nazareth (one of the few cities that the State of Israel did not destroy when carrying out its uprisings), has dedicated its career to putting traditional Palestinian music on the world map. Through their mastery of the oud, they have brought Palestine’s rich musical heritage to an international audience, promoting peace and unity through their generally instrumental but highly evocative art. They are one of the most famous musical groups or, at least, the one with the most listened to repertoire in recent years.

Zeyne

Zeyne is a Jordanian-Palestinian singer and songwriter who blends contemporary R&B with Arabic musical traditions. Born and raised in Amman, Jordan, her music incorporates influences from iconic artists such as Fairouz, Lauryn Hill, and the Rahbani Brothers, as well as modern elements from artists such as Billie Eilish.

Her music career gained momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she began posting singing videos on Instagram, which at one point led her to collaborate with producer Nasir Al Bashir. Zeyne, “seizing” the moment, in her songs addressed topics of self-discovery, anxiety and personal limits, using her music as a form of therapeutic exploration and personal expression.

She has released several singles since then, including “Minni Ana” and “Balak” (featuring Saint Levant), which have cemented her reputation as an emerging voice on the independent scene in the Middle East and North Africa region. Another proof of artists trying to break cultural and linguistic barriers through their music, presenting a fusion of R&B, pop and soul with lyrics in Arabic.

Nemahsis

Nemahsis, real name Nemah Hasan, is a Palestinian-Canadian singer who went viral on TikTok for her ability to combine activism and music in moving ways. You may remember her, even if you don’t know it, because she achieved great notoriety on social media with a video in which she sang acapella the chorus of Lorde’s song “Team”, while showing images of the severe damage caused by attacks in Gaza. This video not only racked up millions of views online, but also garnered the attention of Lorde, who praised the performance as a moving piece.

@nemahsis

thank you to everyone who has taken the time to educate themselves on the on going gen-oh-side happening in palestine. we need your help🤍🇵🇸

♬ original sound – nemahsis

Before her fame, Nemahsis began her career on TikTok, where she shared beauty and fashion videos aimed at Muslim women, although she also occasionally covered famous songs, including Adele’s. Her leap into original music came after living a negative experience with a company that did not pay her adequately, which led her to release her single “What If I Took It Off for You?”, a song that addresses social attitudes towards Muslim women who wear the hijab.

In addition to her music, Nemahsis is known for her activism, especially in support of Palestine, which has even led to her being dropped from her record label for her refusal to reduce her activism on social media. Scary, considering how and when she gained fame. Her music not only seeks to entertain, but also educate and emotionally connect with her audience, something she has successfully accomplished on the TikTok platform and beyond.

Marwán

Marwán, Spanish-Palestinian poet, singer and composer known for his deep commitment to social and humanitarian issues, is one of the most famous singer-songwriters in Spain, and not only for his support for Palestine, which has increased publicly as the the situation has also been worsening in the country of his father’s birth.

Especially in the wake of the events following October 7, 2023, Marwán has used his music to address injustices and promote Palestinian resilience, as reflected in his song “Urgent Lullaby for Palestine,“ composed to support children affected by the bombings in Gaza. This track seeks to raise funds for UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestine refugees, highlighting his personal connection to this cause, as his father grew up in a refugee camp run by UNRWA.

In addition to his activism, Marwán has been praised for his lyrical skill and his ability to convey deep emotions through his music, addressing themes of love, heartbreak, and the human experience in poetic and moving ways. In short, his work not only reflects his cultural heritage, but also addresses everything from the most personal to the most universal, trying to give voice to the struggles and resistance of his community through his lyrics and melodies in between.

Ruba Shamshoum

Ruba Shamshoum is a talented Palestinian musician, born and raised in Nazareth and currently based in London. Her music is a distinctive blend of jazz and Middle Eastern elements, reflecting a fusion of contemporary and traditional sounds. Ruba is known for lyrics that explore themes of femininity, vulnerability and the human connection to nature and self.

She studied jazz performance at the Newpark Music Center in Ireland and has been an active part of the Irish jazz scene. In 2017, Ruba released her debut album “Shamat” (Stains of Beauty), where she addressed issues of identity, escapism, fear and love. In addition to her musical career, she has given a TED talk on creativity in a society that reveres the past, highlighting her thoughtful approach to cultural and artistic innovation.

Shamshoum has collaborated with various musicians in both Ireland and the Middle East and has participated in various international festivals. Her music has been well received, charting on major indie music charts in the Middle East and North Africa, and she has collaborated on projects that combine poetry and music, showcasing her versatility and commitment to interdisciplinary art forms.

Abe Batshon

Abe Batshon is the founder and CEO of BeatStars, an influential music platform that aims to revolutionize the way artists sell and distribute their music. Batshon created BeatStars in 2008 with the goal of empowering independent music producers and artists, allowing them to collaborate, license and distribute their work globally. The platform has connected more than 5 million creators globally and paid out more than $200 million to its community, including the global hit “Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X, which used a beat purchased on BeatStars.

Batshon has recorded songs about Palestine deeply influenced by his heritage and personal experiences. Batshon, whose parents are refugees from Lydd and Yaffa in Palestine, grew up aware of the difficult conditions Palestinians face. His grandmother took him to Palestine on family visits, and upon witnessing the living conditions there, he began writing music that reflected both his personal experience and Palestinian struggle and resilience.

These visits and his direct exposure to the injustices faced by Palestinians have fueled his desire to use music as a form of activism and cultural expression. Growing up in a community where he also observed the struggles of African Americans, Batshon found parallels between the struggles of both communities and has used his music to address issues of social injustice, similar to how artists like Tupac did in his time. On the playlist, for example, “Palestine Will Rise” and “Free Palestine” stand out.

For a permanent ceasefire now

The NGO Amnesty International has published on its website an appeal for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, as countless lives have been shattered and disrupted due to the crisis in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories in general. In the face of such devastation and suffering, humanity must prevail.

I share the official statement:

Right now, civilian deaths in Gaza are increasing at a staggering rate. The illegal and inhumane blockade by the Israeli authorities, lasting 16 years, has trapped more than 2 million people in Gaza, including children, the elderly and the disabled, under the relentless bombardment of the Israeli authorities. With nowhere to go, they face losing everything.

Humanitarian pauses of a few days will bring a brief respite. But stopping the fighting for a few days is not enough to address the catastrophic suffering or alleviate the terrible harm to civilians. We must act now.

«Do not confuse my position, I am an atheist, I do not believe in any god.
I don’t differentiate people by their race, their culture or their shitty religion.
I only condemn suffering, injustice and abuse of power.
Palestine subjected to the most stubborn of wars, the opulence of Israel.»

For more information on artists with Palestinian origins, I invite you to discover more at IMEU, the Institute for Understanding the Middle East.