🔗 Share this article

A fundraising initiative is aiming to propel a traditional song from Palestine to the Christmas number one spot. The project seeks to send support to Gaza's residents while also showcasing Palestinian culture and creativity.

An Opportunity for Support and an "Unlikely Coup"

Musician and artist Brian Eno, who features on the track, stated that the release called 'Lullaby' represents a opportunity to stand with Palestinians this festive season. He acknowledged the potential for an unexpected chart success.

“That would be amazing if that came to pass, yes,” he said. “I won't be completely disappointed if it doesn't manage to, festive releases are a category of their own.”

Powerful Theme of Dignity and Freedom

Palestinian singer Nai Barghouti, who sings on the version of a cultural piece called Yamma Mwel El Hawa, explained the piece's defiant core message.

“It has a profound significance for a lot of people,” Barghouti said. “The essence is that I would prefer a dignified death than spend my life without freedom. That’s the main theme of the song; we want to live a respectful existence that we deserve as Palestinians.”

Production History and Star-Studded Lineup

The track was produced after a large-scale benefit event held in September. Initially planned to be performed and recorded live, the piece was omitted from the lengthy event due to the event running long.

The impressive roster of musicians featured on Lullaby encompasses a group of acclaimed names from the scene. All participated in the September show, which reportedly raised a significant sum for relief efforts.

Final Touches and Availability

Lullaby was crafted by a trio of talented individuals. The single blends a mix of the traditional Arabic lyrics with contemporary English verses.

The team running the project have clarified that their aim is to collect the highest amount for a specific fund. These resources will be distributed to projects in Palestine through an non-profit partner.

“We don’t have a rigid aim,” a figure explained. “We’ll go for as much as possible. Of course, the higher the total, the greater the impact. Every penny goes out to the people of Gaza.”

The reality in the region was noted for its profound destruction, with a huge proportion of buildings said to be levelled or seriously harmed.

“Against that backdrop, a handful of millions is unlikely to make that much difference. But I think what truly matters is above all raising awareness for this issue and demonstrating that another narrative exists.”

The song is set to be released at the end of the week. Additionally, a full recording of the charity concert will be made available for streaming on a digital service from later in the month.