Have just returned home after a fantastic event at Betty Nansen Theatret, Copenhagen – An event underpinning that together we can make a difference, and that we shall not stop fighting for a better and equal world for all! The group of artists and the organizers left me with great inspiration and optimism that there still is a chance for peace in the Middle East!
The hip hop group DAM from Palestine joined by Zaki, Waheid and Khadije from Denmark, made a grand event that captured the intensity and importance of the Israel/Palestine conflict through visuals, documentary, hip hop, and debate forum. The conflict in Gaza is still heaving and Palestinians are yet severely suppressed by Israelis and there is need for action! And as DAM expressed – it is the international community’s responsibility as well, since we are involved both economically and politically – hence do not hesitate but participate! The event at Betty Nansen Teatret has evolved from the ‘’Project Hip Hop Palestine’ organised by Sabreen Association for Artistic Development, which took place in Palestine in 2008. Through training, concerts, talent competitions, recordings and other events have the Palestinian youth beyond boarders and boundaries managed to practise their talents within rap, lyric, breakedance and music production. Darq Team won the project’s national competition and with their political hip hop with Arabic lyrics about life in Gaza, the Israel/Palestine conflict, corruption, taboos, and love, they are moving up the international hip hop scene and are giving hope to many people that still haven’t lost the hope for a peaceful Middle East.
The initial plan was to have the hip hop group Darq Team from Gaza to take part of the event, but as the authorities are holding them back, they are still not able to join. Their situation proves the unreasonable conditions Palestinians are facing. The two groups know each other’s music and have even managed to make a number together despite distance - And now for the first they were to meet here in Copenhagen, but we are still waiting for permission!
DAM’s music is a unique mix of east and vest, which combines Arabic percussions, Middle Eastern melodies and hip hop/rap. They have already got a name on the international hip hop scene and with their tight flow of rap they are shedding light- and contributing to the debate concerning the Israel/Palestine conflict, women’s right, liberty and equality.
HeartRebels recommend everyone to join any of the events that will take place the following week here in Copenhagen, and take action and spread the words about moving forward for a peaceful Middle East. Below are links related to the event, coming concerts here in Denmark, the groups’ myspace etc.
- Listen to DARG TEAM og DAM’s music:
http://www.myspace.com/dargteamgaza
http://www.myspace.com/damrap
- Betty Nansen Event:
http://www.facebook.com/home.
- Copenhagen:
http://www.facebook.com/home.
- Aalborg:
http://www.facebook.com/home.
- Århus: