Digital programme: Sada (Echo): Music from Palestine
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
Stage times
Stage times are approximate and subject to change.
Hall:
7.30pm - 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.
Dana Salah, born and raised in Amman, Jordan, with Palestinian roots, is a dynamic singer, songwriter, and producer who seamlessly blends her rich heritage with contemporary sounds. After graduating from Duke University, she moved to New York City to launch her music career under the moniker King Deco, releasing her own music in 2014. By 2019, she garnered 54 million streams, and had written songs for major brands worldwide.
In 2021, Dana returned to Jordan to release Arabic music, including singles such as “Weino,” “Mishta’a,” and “Ya Taleen", a reinterpretation of the iconic Palestinian folk song Yā Ṭāliʻīn ʻalā l-Jabal, traditionally sung by women in solidarity with imprisoned men.
Her signature Falahi Pop sound blends Arabic folklore with global influences such as reggaeton. Dana’s achievements include charting on Billboard Arabia, performing at and selling out venues like Paradiso in Amsterdam, and being featured on a New York Times Square billboard - making her the first female Jordanian artist to be featured on a billboard in Times Square.
Dana's music is a testament to her journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Her work challenges stereotypes and encourages others to embrace their authentic selves. As she continues to evolve as an artist, Dana Salah remains a beacon of cultural fusion and musical innovation, inspiring audiences worldwide with her unique sound and compelling narrative.
Founded in 1999 by brothers Tamer and Suhell Nafar alongside their friend Mahmoud Jreri in the city of Lod, DAM is widely regarded as the most influential and pioneering Palestinian hip hop group. In 2015, the group welcomed vocalist and rapper Maysa Daw, adding a powerful female voice to their line-up.
Blending Arabic, Hebrew, and English lyrics with compelling beats, DAM’s music confronts themes of protest, inequality, and social justice. Their songs offer a raw and honest reflection on life in Arab-Israeli society, addressing issues such as systemic violence and marginalisation in Palestine’s mixed cities.
Often described as the "quintessential Palestinian resistance band," DAM has released over 100 singles, three acclaimed albums (Dedication, Dabke on the Moon, and Ben Haana Wa Maana), and the EP Street Poetry. Their work is deeply rooted in Palestinian identity and culture, using music as a tool for resistance and awareness. The group regularly collaborates with activist organisations and international artists to amplify their message.
The name "DAM" stands for Da Arab MCs, and also resonates with the Arabic word for "enduring" or "everlasting," as well as the word for "blood" in both Arabic and Hebrew—a powerful symbol of connection and resistance. In 2017, DAM signed with the London-based independent label Cooking Vinyl, further extending their global reach.
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.
Arguably the biggest name in Palestinian electronic music, Sama’ Abdulhadi is a trailblazer who brought techno to Palestine and sparked a thriving local scene despite immense challenges. Her high-energy, full-bodied techno—self-described as “Berlin techno, but with a Lebanese twist”—has ignited dance floors worldwide, from Glastonbury and Coachella to underground clubs across Europe and the SWANA region.
Sama’s journey began in Beirut’s vibrant techno scene, where she honed her craft among local and international DJs. But it was her groundbreaking 2018 Boiler Room debut in Ramallah that catapulted her to global acclaim, amassing over 11 million views and earning her a place among the world’s techno elite.
Beyond her electrifying sets, Sama’ is a fearless cultural activist and community builder. She founded Union, a creative hub in Ramallah that nurtures DJs, producers, and artists—offering a vital space for collaboration and growth. She also champions causes such as Bring Back Beirut, supporting Lebanon through music and fundraising events across London, Paris, Berlin, and beyond.
In 2022 alone, Sama’ rocked major festivals including Coachella, Glastonbury, Primavera, and Brazil’s Warung, while launching her much-anticipated residency at London’s Phonox club in 2023. A documentary capturing her inspiring journey premiered earlier that year, spotlighting her role as a pioneering force in electronic music and cultural activism.
With barely five years on the international stage, Sama’ Abdulhadi stands at the forefront of a powerful movement—using her music and platform to put Palestine on the global map and redefine SWANA artistic expression.
