Palestinian hip-hop group DAM is often credited as the first rap group in the Arab world. Now 26 years into their career, the band members join us on the Quoz Arts Fest stage to discuss the group's evolution and how they navigate personal expression amidst political tragedy. The conversation covers the mixed emotions of performing while their people are suffering through a genocide, the honor and privilege of presenting Palestinian culture and music to the world, and the delicate balance of prioritizing their artistry versus their Palestinian identity. The artists also share their views on the evolution of Arabic hip-hop, the new generation of Palestinian rappers, and how AI and algorithms affect artists promoting messages of social justice.
Palestinian hip-hop group DAM is often credited as the first rap group in the Arab world. Now 26 years into their career, the band members join us on the Quoz Arts Fest stage to discuss the group's evolution and how they navigate personal expression amidst political tragedy. The conversation covers the mixed emotions of performing while their people are suffering through a genocide, the honor and privilege of presenting Palestinian culture and music to the world, and the delicate balance of prioritizing their artistry versus their Palestinian identity. The artists also share their views on the evolution of Arabic hip-hop, the new generation of Palestinian rappers, and how AI and algorithms affect artists promoting messages of social justice.
Explore Quoz Arts Fest 👉 https://www.instagram.com/quozartsfest/
Follow DAM 👉 https://www.instagram.com/dampalestine/
0:00 Introduction to DAM: Pioneers of Arab Hip-Hop
1:33 The Unique Vibe of Performing as a Group
2:28 Processing Emotions and the Absence of Art During Tragedy
4:47 The Privilege and Mixed Emotions of Performing Amidst Genocide
6:03 The Evolution of the DAM Lineup and Sound
11:00 On the New Generation of Palestinian and Levantine Hip-Hop
13:17 Maysa Daw on Switching Personalities in Solo Work vs. DAM and Kallem
16:31 Navigating Identity: Palestinian First, Artist Second
18:54 Tamer Nafar's New Album and the Price of Spotlight on Palestinian Art
22:44 What to Expect From the Dubai Show
24:26 Future Plans: New Album and Continuing to Make Music
26:09 The Essence of Arabic Rap and Staying Loyal to Lyrics
28:32 Fighting Algorithm Bias and "Algo Tunnels"
31:30 Motivation vs. Discipline in the Creative Process
Tamer Nafar is a Palestinian rapper, actor, screenwriter and social activist, and the founding member of DAM, the first Palestinian hip-hop group. He grew up in Lyd, discovered hip-hop and became the world’s first Palestinian rapper. His lyrics and activities reflect the Palestinian struggle, women’s rights, and the promotion of alternative art within a conservative society. In addition to music, Nafar co-wrote and starred in the award-winning film Junction 48.
Connect with Tamer Nafar 👉 https://instagram.com/tamer_nafar
Mahmood Jrere is a Palestinian hip-hop artist and entrepreneur, and one of the founding members of DAM. He was born and raised in the impoverished city of Lyd, where he witnessed drug-abuse and violence on a daily basis. Along with the two other founding members of DAM, he began putting what they saw outside their window onto paper.
Connect with Mahmood Jrere 👉 https://instagram.com/mahmoodjrere
Maysa Daw is an indie musician, singer-songwriter, and the latest member of DAM and of the band Kallem. Influenced by rock, hip-hop, soul, neo-jazz and more, she fuses different genres, and explores personal, interpersonal and collective experiences, stemming from her own view of reality.
Connect with Maysa Daw 👉 https://instagram.com/maysadaw
DJ Bruno Cruz is a Palestinian musician, electronic DJ and producer living in Haifa City in the north of Palestine. He started his career in music in 1998 and has become one of the most prominent names in the Palestinian underground scene. Bruno is the co-founder of Ministry of Dub-key and the official DJ of DAM, and has been playing his own music infused with his unique style all over the world in festivals such as Fusion Festival in Germany, Glastonbury in the UK and many more.
Connect with DJ Bruno Cruz 👉 https://instagram.com/djbrunocruz
Hosted by Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://instagram.com/mikey_mu
Theme music: Peninsular, Tarek Yamani 🔊