Palestinian Music You Should Know: Folk, Pop and Hip Hop
If you want to understand Palestine, listen to it. Palestinian music moves from centuries-old wedding songs to hip hop that fills arenas, and it tells stories of home, exile and joy. Here are the sounds and artists to start with.
Songs of the village
Much of traditional Palestinian music comes from rural life. Singing styles like ataaba and dal'ona are performed at weddings and during the harvest, usually with a lead singer and a crowd answering back. They are the soundtrack to dabke, the energetic line dance, and are played on instruments such as the oud, the double-reed mijwiz and hand drums.
Keeping the songs alive
Nazareth-born singer Rim Banna dedicated her life to reviving traditional Palestinian songs and lullabies before she passed away in 2018. Reem Kelani has researched and recorded songs from across historic Palestine. Le Trio Joubran, three brothers on the oud, have played their instrumental music on stages across North America and Europe.
A voice from Gaza
When Mohammed Assaf, a young wedding singer from Gaza, won Arab Idol in 2013, people celebrated in the streets. His version of Ali al-Kuffiyeh is still played at Palestinian gatherings around the world.
Hip hop and the new generation
DAM, founded in Lod in 1999, are often called the first Palestinian hip hop group. 47Soul blended dabke with electronic beats. And Saint Levant, born in Jerusalem, has built a large following in the US with songs that switch between Arabic, English and French.
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FAQ
+What instruments are used in Palestinian music?
Common instruments include the oud, the mijwiz reed pipe and hand drums such as the tabla or darbuka.
+Who is Mohammed Assaf?
Mohammed Assaf is a singer from Gaza who won Arab Idol in 2013 and became one of the best-known Palestinian artists.
+Are there Palestinian hip hop artists?
Yes. DAM, formed in 1999, are known as the first Palestinian hip hop group, and newer artists include Saint Levant and 47Soul.
+Where can I start listening to Palestinian music?
Good starting points are Rim Banna, Le Trio Joubran, Mohammed Assaf, DAM and Saint Levant, all available on major streaming platforms.
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