From growing up in Gaza to platforming Palestine on a global stage at Coachella, Saint Levant’s rousing performance over the weekend is one we should all be talking about.
Palestinian rapper Saint Levant just gave the a powerful performance of the weekend at this year’s Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California.
During his set, he seized the opportunity to shed light on the ongoing conflict in Gaza, from his band, to featuring other MENA artists, to having traditional Palestinian dancers and artists on stage with him.
Whilst on stage, he said: “Coachella, my name is Saint Levant and I was born in Jerusalem and raised in Gaza,” the artist greeted the crowd to cheers. “As I hope all of you are aware, the people of Gaza have been undergoing a brutal, brutal genocide for the past six months. And the people of Palestine have been undergoing a brutal occupation for the past 75 years.”
Saint Levant was joined on stage by guest performers Naika and Bayou. During his set he also brought out Hamada Sol and the beloved Gazan band Sol Band, to perform with him via video.
The crowd came out in their thousands to support Saint’s set, displaying their solidarity wearing kaffias and waving Palestinian flags.
“We Palestinians only know resilience”, said Saint Levant. “We will return. We will rebuild.”
Saint Levant treated the audience to a repertoire of his popular tracks, featuring “Nails,” “From Gaza, With Love,” and a soulful rendition of “Very Few Friends.” He also showcased newer releases like “Deira” and “5am in Paris,” the latter exploring themes of exile, a sentiment deeply resonant with Palestinians.
“It’s not just me on the stage — it’s the whole Arab world on the stage”, he said.
Saint Levant’s performance follows last year’s unforgettable Coachella debut from Elyanna, who became the first Palestinian to perform at the festival.
Click here for all the epic concerts coming to the UAE this year, plus, these Arab artists are ones to watch.