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Digital programme: Sada (Echo): Music from Palestine

Sada composite

Welcome to a groundbreaking celebration of contemporary Palestinian music and culture.

This event, a collaboration between Marsm UK and Shubbak Festival, brings together an extraordinary line-up of artists who are reshaping the soundscape of the SWANA region: blending tradition, resistance, innovation, and global influences into powerful expressions of identity and creativity.

At a moment when the world is paying renewed attention to the stories, struggles and resilience of Palestinian people, this showcase offers a unique opportunity to experience the rich diversity of Palestinian music - from the raw, revolutionary hip hop of DAM and the fearless voice of Maysa Daw, to the haunting folk melodies of Rola Azar and the cutting-edge electronic soundscapes of Sama’ Abdulhadi, YA Z AN and Dana Salah.

These artists are not only musicians; they are cultural ambassadors and innovators who use their art to challenge stereotypes, inspire solidarity, and build bridges across communities. Their music invites all audiences—whether familiar with Palestinian culture or new to it—to listen deeply, reflect, and celebrate the power of creativity to transcend borders.

Join us for an unforgettable evening where beats, voices, and stories unite in a vibrant tapestry of sound and spirit—honouring a culture that is enduring, evolving, and rising.

Details

Event date 6 Jun 2025
Start time 7.45pm
There won't be an interval
All timings are approximate and subject to change

Stage times

Stage times are approximate and subject to change.

Hall:

7.45pm - 8.30pm
Rola Azar 

8.45pm - 9.30pm
Dana Salah

9.45pm - 10.30pm
DAM

 

 

ClubStage:

10.30 - 11.30pm
YA Z AN

11.30pm - 1am
DJ Sama' Abdulhadi

 

Meet the artists performing in the Hall

Rola Azar is the captivating voice of contemporary Palestinian folk music. Born in Nazareth, she received both academic and musical training at the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance, laying the foundation for a career that bridges tradition and innovation.

Rola’s serene yet powerful voice has graced stages around the world, with performances at renowned venues including the Qatar Opera House and London’s City Theater. Her music blends the timeless beauty of Palestinian folk with modern sensibilities, creating a sound that is both rooted and refreshingly current.

Her debut album, recorded in Beirut in collaboration with acclaimed Lebanese composer and oud player Ziad Sahab, introduced her unique artistry to a wider audience. She is currently working on her second album, which delves even deeper into the Palestinian sonic heritage.

Following in the footsteps of her father, Milad Azar, Rola is dedicated to preserving and revitalising traditional Palestinian music. Through her voice and vision, she continues to strengthen cultural identity and share the rich musical legacy of Palestine with the world.

Meet the artists performing on our ClubStage

YA Z AN is a Palestinian DJ and electrical engineer carving out a bold sonic identity from Berlin’s underground to dancefloors around the world. Born in Ramallah, he first cut his teeth in a scene that barely existed—helping to build Palestine’s electronic music culture from the ground up. Now, with a sound shaped by Berlin’s hypnotic techno underworld, he’s creating immersive sets that are equal parts cerebral and physical.

Blending minimal, dub, and industrial techno with his signature “fluffy” edge, YA Z AN’s sets are a journey—deep, textured, and emotionally charged. Mentored by Palestinian techno trailblazer Sama' Abdulhadi and inspired by Richie Hawtin, Len Faki, and regional experimental artists like Muqata’a and Maurice Louca, his music pulses with a raw, magnetic energy.

But YA Z AN doesn’t stop at the decks. With a background in electrical engineering, he pushes the boundaries of performance tech. His project Kontrool, a device that translates heartbeats and muscle movement into reactive sound and light, turns every show into an interactive, living experience. He also designs immersive light installations and reimagines club spaces in both Ramallah and Berlin.

A core member of the UNION collective since 2018, YA Z AN has brought his genre-blurring sound to venues like Fabric London, KitKat, Ohm, and Amsterdam Dance Event, with appearances on BBC Radio 3 and Refuge Worldwide. Whether behind the booth or behind the scenes, YA Z AN is all about connection – between bodies, beats, and the worlds we build through sound.