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Melodies of Resistance: Exploring Palestinian Singers and Songs

For many Indigenous groups, music is more than an art form; it is a testimony of their resistance,  a vessel of their collective memory, and a voice against erasure. For the Palestinian people, this resonates deeply. Amid their realities of forced expulsion, systemic erasure, and colonial violence, music has become both a symbol of hope and a weapon of resistance. 


Through melodies that embody the complex dynamics of grief and joy, Palestinian artists have preserved their Indigenous identity and sacred connections to the land through their beautifully evocative music. Music is not merely a vessel that preserves cultural heritage—it is also a form of resistance that defies any attempt to break the Palestinian spirit. Each lyric is a testament to their enduring resistance, unwavering hope, and a celebration of Palestinian culture and identity. 


Artwork by © Farah W. Hamouda
Artwork by © Farah W. Hamouda

From Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, living under siege and occupation, to those in the diaspora, yearning for their ancestral homeland, music serves as a unifying force that transcends beyond the apartheid wall and borders. Through their art, Palestinian musicians forge connections that honor shared histories and nurture communities rooted in hope and liberation. Despite the ongoing attempts to fragment, marginalize, and erase the deep-rooted connections Palestinians have with their land and to each other, their collective identity continues to thrive—celebrated and unyielding. 


The enduring relationship between music and resistance has been brought to life by Palestinian artists who have created melodies to amplify the voices of the Palestinian people.  To experience these powerful melodies of resistance, I have selected a few artists and songs described below. I have also curated a playlist which is one of many love letters to my ancestral homeland.


I hope you feel the unbreakable spirit of the Palestinian people in each lyric.



Click below to listen to the "Melodies of Resistance" playlist on Spotify:



Mohammed Assaf

"Ana dammi falastini, falastini, falastini" these lyrics have become emblematic of Palestinian identity, resonating deeply as the anthem of the Palestinian people. Mohammed Assaf created a song of existence for the Palestinian people.


Born in Libya to Palestinian immigrants, Asaaf moved to Gaza when he was four years old. They lived in the Khan Younis refugee camp, established in 1948 to house Palestinians who were forcibly displaced during the Nakba. 


Assaf’s musical career skyrocketed when he appeared on Arab Idol in 2013, where his powerful voice and heartfelt performances captured the hearts of millions. His journey to Arab Idol, however, was far from easy. It took him two days to travel from Gaza to Egypt, crossing borders and checkpoints to reach the auditions in Cairo. When he finally arrived at the hotel where the auditions were being held, the doors had already closed and no more contestants were being accepted.


Determined to audition, Assaf jumped over a wall to enter the hotel. Even then, he was unable to obtain an audition number. Undeterred, Assaf began singing in the hall where other contestants were waiting for their turn. Moved by his talent and determination, another Palestinian contestant, Ramadan Abu Nahel, gave Assaf his audition number, believing that Assaf could reach the finals. He was right. During the finals, Assaf sang an original song called "Ali al-keffiyeh (Raise the Keffiyeh)," a tribute to Palestinian heritage and resistance.


After winning Arab Idol, Assaf released Dammi Falastini (My Blood is Palestinian) in 2015. The song stands as a powerful testament to Palestinian identity—a celebration of our existence, resistance, and aspirations for the future. Palestinian blood is sacred, and this ballad holds a special place in our collective memory. It is played at weddings, graduations, protests, and other significant moments that honor our shared resilience and hope. 



Saint Levant


Saint Levant, known to his close family and friends as Marwan Abdelhamid, is a Palestinian singer-songwriter who was born in Jerusalem and grew up in Gaza.


His family built and owned the Al Deira Hotel in Gaza, a place rich with memories that inspired his album Deira. Tragically, the hotel was destroyed in 2023 during Israel’s ongoing genocidal campaign against Palestinians in Gaza.


In 2007, Abdelhamid and his family were forced to relocate to Amman, Jordan, due to Israeli bombardment of Gaza. In 2018, they moved to the United States, where he earned his undergraduate degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Yes, he is a UCSB alum! 


Abdelhamid weaves together his French, Algerian, Serbian, and Palestinian roots in his music, creating a unique sound that reflects his rich heritage. His work resonates deeply across the diaspora, blending traditional Arab music with modern influences like R&B and hip-hop. Through his music, he captures the voices and struggles of the diaspora, highlighting their enduring connection to the sounds of their homeland.


His album Deira, encapsulates the sounds of Palestine, celebrating its resilience and heritage. Through collaborations with Palestinian artists like MC Abdul and Sol Band, he sings about the unbreakable spirit of Palestinians in the diaspora—those who were forcibly expelled from their homes and are now witnessing the destruction of their homeland and people. His lyrics reflect the trauma of his past, including the haunting memories of hearing bombs in his sleep, while also celebrating Palestinian heritage and artistry. Through his music, he pays homage to the enduring culture, resilience, and creativity of his people.


His most recent single,"Daloona," featuring 47Soul (a Palestinian group who created the Shamstep genre) highlights Palestinian culture by showcasing the Dabke. Dabke is a traditional dance of the Levant region. The song celebrates Palestinian joy, with the music video reflecting key cultural elements of celebration that would be present in occasions like weddings and graduations. The lyrics convey a strong sense of pride, emphasizing the lasting connection that Palestinians have to their homeland and a desire for their stories to be acknowledged. 



Zeyne


Palestinian-Jordanian artist Zeyne, also known as Zein Sajdi to her loved ones, has also transcended the boundaries of music, connecting Palestinians living in their homeland and those in the diaspora.


Born and raised in Jordan, Sajdi remained deeply connected to her Palestinian heritage through music and dance. From the age of five, she began learning Dabke, the traditional Levantine dance.


During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sajdi embraced her musical calling, using the time to pursue her passion more seriously. By weaving together elements of R&B and Arabic music, Sajdi has touched the hearts of listeners across the globe. Her unique sound not only celebrates Palestinian culture, but also deeply resonates with the soul. 


Sajdi’s most recent single, “7arrir 3aqlak (Asli Ana)” is a heartfelt love letter to her homeland, Palestine. Through this song, Sajdi celebrates Palestinian culture, singing about the traditional thobe (embroidered dress), a symbol of Palestinian identity and heritage. She compares how taking off the thobe to conform to “civilization” is like shedding our very skin—emphasizing its deep connection to identity and belonging. Alongside this cultural celebration and testimony, Sajdi challenges existing narratives of Palestinians, reclaiming our identity and ancestry with unwavering pride. Her roots are Palestinian and her music serves as a testament to her love for her homeland and its enduring legacy, with roots that have sprouted globally. Through her music, Sajdi bridges the local and the global, weaving together the threads of Palestinian identity and diaspora experiences.


Sajdi was also featured on the track “Rajieen” which was released in 2023. This song was released by a collective of artists from the Middle East and North Africa region in response to Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza.



Nemahsis

Nemahsis, known to her close friends and family by the name Nemah Hasan, is a Palestinian-Canadiam singer and songwriter. In November 2023, she captivated Tik Tok audiences with her cover of Lorde’s song “Team,” paired with a heartfelt tribute to her homeland, Palestine.


This short video featured Hasan proudly wearing the keffiyeh, followed by a compilation of videos featuring beautiful Palestinian cities and horrifying footage of Israel’s genocidal campaign against Palestinians.


This powerful display of artistry showcases Hasan’s deep connection to her homeland—highlighting her ability to use  music as a medium for storytelling and resistance. As a result of her loud advocacy for Palestine, Hasan was dropped by her label..


Through her creative expression, Hasan intertwines personal and collective struggles. She focuses on themes of what it is like existing in the diaspora, particularly in Western countries that perpetuate harmful stereotypes about what it means to be Arab, in her songs “i’m not gonna kill you” and “what if i took it off for you.” Her work challenges these reductive narratives, offering a nuanced portrayal of identity, resilience, and the richness of being Arab. 


In her song “immigrant’s tale” she sings about Jericho, a Palestinian city and the oldest city in the world. This ballad reflects her family history, as she sings about how her mother left Jericho in search of a better life for her children. She weaves together a deeply personal narrative that resonates with similar histories for those living in diaspora. 


Following her label’s decision to drop her for advocating for Palestine, Hasan took control of her artistry and self-released her studio album, Verbatim in 2024. The title and album cover art for Verbatim symbolize the censorship Hasan has faced throughout her career. This 12-track album features her single, “Stick of Gum,” which was shot and filmed in Jericho, Palestine. Through her artistry, Hasan weaves together a personal element to her storytelling. 



Elyanna


Palestinian-Chilean artist and visionary Elyanna, born Elian Marjieh, weaves together her Arab and Latin roots in her melodies. Born and raised in Nazareth, Marjieh found her love for music—beginning to sing at the age of seven.


In 2017, Marjieh and her family moved to San Diego, California then Los Angeles - where she began to pursue her music career. Like Nemah Hasan, Marjieh too captivated Tik Tok and Instagram audiences with her beautiful covers. 


Her siblings Feras and Tali work closely alongside her in her musical journey. Her brother Feras, is her pianist, producer, and creative director while her sister Tali is her personal stylist. Together, this trio of siblings weave together the intricate histories and stories of their ancestors and homelands. Drawing influence from iconic Arab singers like Fairuz and Abd El Halim Hafez, Marjieh creates melodies and ballads of love, longing, displacement, and pride. Her music carries the emotional depth of traditional Arabic music while also incorporating her own influence to the genre,  sprinkling in elements of Pop, Jazz, and Soul. 


In 2023, Marjieh became the first artist to perform an entire music set in Arabic at the musical festival, Coachella. The following year, in 2024, she released her studio album Woledto, a deeply personal project that celebrates her Palestinian pride and ancestry. The album features her Palestinian grandfather, a musician and poet, further weaving her family’s artistic legacy into her work. This album is a testament to her Palestinian pride and ancestry. 


Woledto features a track titled “Sad in Pali,” which is a moving piece that reflects themes of resilience, identity, and the emotional landscapes of her homeland. In 2024, Marjieh also released a heartfelt ballad titled “Olive Branch (Ghosn Zeytoun),” where she sings about her profound heartbreak and grief while praying for her homeland, Palestine. The olive branch symbolizes more than just peace; olive trees hold profound significance in Palestinian identity. As enduring symbols of resilience and connection to the land, olive trees represent the deep roots of Palestinian heritage and the struggles faced in preserving it. Marjieh weaves together this symbolism with her personal grief and longing, creating a hauntingly beautiful tribute to her homeland and its enduring legacy. 



Anees

Born and raised in Washington D.C., Anees Mokhiber, known professionally by his first name, Anees, is a Palestinian-American singer, rapper, and songwriter. After receiving his Juris Doctor degree, Mokhiber decided to pursue a music career, as he credits music as his therapy.


As an independent artist, Mokhiber made his debut in 2020 with his single, “Neverland Fly,” where he raps about his journey with depression and mental health. In 2023, he released his first studio album Summer Camp. 


When Israel began its genocidal campaign against Palestinians in 2023, Mokhiber used his platforms to advocate loudly and passionately for homeland and its people. As a proud Palestinian, he has been very vocal about the profound pain and grief he feels watching the suffering and annihilation of his people. 


In 2024, Mokhiber released his song “Kiss my wounds”—an emotive piece that captures the enduring hope and spirit of the Palestinian people in their longing for collective freedom. He sings about how there will be rainbows in Gaza that reach Ramallah. Juxtaposed with these themes of hope, Mokhiber also weaves together feelings of profound grief and deep connection to his ancestral land, singing about angels dying and likening Palestinian resilience to the enduring roots of the olive trees. These raw and heartfelt lyrics have struck a chord with listeners across the diaspora. 


More recently, Mokhiber was featured on Mackelmore’s single, “Hind’s Hall 2.” Mokhiber open’s the song with a moving verse, singing about how “in our lifetime we will be free” and how no matter how many times they attempt to bury Palestinians, our oppressors will realize “we are seeds.” For Palestinians, seeds symbolize life, growth, and a deeply rooted connection to our ancestral homeland. The olive trees stand as an enduring emblem of our heritage, identity, connection to Indigenous land, and resistance. 



Dana Salah 


Dana Salah is a Palestinian-Jordanian singer and songwriter who fuses together traditional Palestinian folk music with contemporary pop.


She began singing at the age of nine years old and has since developed a style that bridges the rich cultural heritage of her roots with contemporary sounds. This blend of influences is at the heart of Salah’s artistry, particularly in the song “​​Ya Tal3een.” The ballad, dedicated to her homeland, intertwines the traditional sounds of Palestinian folk songs sung in prisons with heartfelt modern storytelling. 


In Ya Tal3een, Salah includes a powerful verse in English, where she paints a vivid picture with her melodies of hope and liberation for Palestinians living in their ancestral homeland, as well as for those living in the diaspora. She weaves together the harsh realities of living under Israeli occupation with visions of collective liberation. Through these lyrics, Salah emphasizes the enduring spirit of Palestinaisn globally and our deep love for our homeland. 


The music video for this song is equally resonant, visually capturing the themes of hope, resilience, and connection to homeland. In the video, Salah proudly wears the Palestinian keffiyeh, a symbol of resistance and unity, as breathtaking clips of Palestine’s landscape are juxtaposed with harrowing footage of Palestinians living amidst rubble and occupation. The video also incorporates archival footage of Palestinian life during the Nakba. This video emphasizes the enduring grief of the Palestinian people as we watch what has been lost and what remains steadfast in the collective memory of the Palestinian people.


Like Sajdi, Salah was also featured on the powerful track “Rajieen.”



MC Abdul 

MC Abdul, or Abdel-Rahman Al-Shantti, is a Palestinian rapper from Gaza who emerged as a powerful voice at just 15 years old. Through his music, he conveys the realities of growing up in Gaza under Israeli occupation and the enduring impact of continuous bombardment.


Al-Shantti discovered his passion for rap at the age of nine years old. Since then, he has channeled his emotions and experiences into lyrics about liberation, apartheid, and the struggles of his people. 


In 2020, Al-Shantii released his song “Shouting at the Wall” on YouTube. As of January 2025, the video has amassed over 2.9 million views on YouTube. The video captures the harrowing realities of life in Gaza before the most recent genocidal escalations, with Al-Shantti rapping about hearing the echoes of bombs in his dreams while walking among the rubble of buildings destroyed by Israeli bombardments. He discusses how Palestinians living in their homeland anticipate the bombs, not knowing where they will hit. In this song, he captures the psychological toll of living under perpetual siege and illegal military occupation. 


At just eleven years old, Al-Shantti was already grappling with the weight of psychological torment, and relentless grief. He raps about the daily dangers families endure, such as parents risking their lives “outside to buy bread,” and the grim sight of “white sheets covering bodies dead lying in the streets.” Despite these heart-wrenching realities, Al-Shantti’s lyrics echo a steadfast hope for the liberation of his people, affirming their enduring will to live and resist against the oppressors. Through his melodic storytelling, he creates vivid images of buildings being reduced to ash and families being forcibly torn apart. Yet, amidst this devastation, he proclaims that his “mind is made of steel.” These words embody the unbreakable spirit of the Indigenous Palestinian people. 


In 2020, Al-Shantti released his track titled “Palestine,” a powerful song that resonates deeply with Palestinians both in their homeland and across the diaspora. In this song, he tells a story that is all too familiar, weaving together themes of generational memory, resilience, and identity. Al-Shantti raps about the deep connections to the land, symbolized by the enduring olive trees that have witnessed centuries of history. He sings about the next generation of Palestinians as he thinks of his little sister. His lyrics evoke thoughts of what the future holds for children and future generations of Palestinians.  



Concluding Thoughts


Music stands as a vital record of rich oral traditions and a tool for safeguarding these narratives from erasure. For Palestinians, it is more than just an art form—it transforms into a profound vessel of resistance, hope, and the enduring preservation of identity. For generations, Palestinian artists have used their talent and craft to amplify the voices, struggles, and memories of their people.


They have created a legacy that defies erasure. Through music, art, and storytelling, Palestinians have woven intricate narratives, similar to those of traditional tatreez, to stitch together our generational memories of the past, while foraging a collective identity rooted in an unbreakable bond to our homeland—like the enduring roots of the olive trees.  


This work was carried out in collaboration with the Orfalea Center and Security in Context.


Sources



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