Breaking down the entire Palestinian music scene into 5 artists is no easy feat. Obviously, Palestinian music has a long history of diverse and complex musical styles that simply can not all be represented here.
But, we have chosen our top 5 artists that we think are great starting points for anyone that is new to Palestinian music. With a mixture of both traditional and modern music, this article will set you off on the right track to finding your new, favourite Palestinian musician.
1) DAM
DAM is a band that you should definitely have on your Palestinian music playlist if you’re a fan of Hip Hop. One of the pioneering rap groups in Palestine, DAM have risen to fame and are now known throughout the world. Discussing the social and political context of Palestine in their songs, DAM has adapted the typical social commentary of Hip Hop music. Fusing music from East to West, DAM rap in Arabic and mix global Hip Hop sounds with Middle Eastern musical tropes. When discussing Middle Eastern Hip Hop, DAM is the number one name that comes to mind.
2) Sama Abdulhadi
Sama Abdulhadi is a major Palestinian artist you should listen to for your techno fix. Sama Abdulhadi has become known internationally and is now referred to as the ‘queen of the Palestinian techno scene.’ Like many Palestinian artists, Sama Abdulhadi has had her fair share of discrimmination and attempts to silence her music. One of her works that helped secure her as the top Palestinian DJ worldwide, was her Boiler Room set. Currently, this set has secured almost 8 million views on YouTube. Sama Abdulhadi is known for having put Ramallah’s music scene on the map, setting up and growing the dance music identity there.
3) Nai Barghouti
Nai Barghouti takes us back to the roots of Palestinian music, focusing on traditional Arabic music elements. Utilising the Arabic modal system in her music, Nai Barghouti is the perfect artist to give us a fresh perspective on traditional Palestinian music. Barghouti’s song ‘Raj’een,’ meaning ‘We are returning,’ speaks of the massive displacement and violence that Palestinians have encountered over the years.
4) 47 Soul
47 Soul were originally based in Jordan, but now have members based all over the world between Palestine, USA and London. 47 Soul are the pioneers of their self-proclaimed genre, ‘Shamstep.’ Shamstep is a unique mix of Hip Hop music, electronic and Arabic melodies and musical elements. They even include the traditional dance, Dabke, in some of their videos and songs. 47 Soul have gained traction all over the world for their Palestinian and Western music mix, even featuring on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert and KEXP sessions. 47 Soul have toured all over the world and are one of the most internationally known Palestinian bands.
5) Kamilya Jubran
Kamilya Jubran is another Palestinian singer-songwriter whose music is firmly rooted in the sounds of traditional Palestine. Kamilya Jubran grew up listening to and learning classical Arabic music, which can be seen clearly when she’s playing the Oud. Kamilya Jubran now lives in Europe and has toured extensively, presenting traditional Palestinian music to a wide variety of audiences. Known as a keeper of the traditional rhythms, Kamilya Jubran works in collaboration with a variety of artists and produces classical, yet fresh, Palestinian music.
