In a captivating display of artistry and activism, Palestinian-French-Algerian-Serbian rapper Saint Levant stole the spotlight at Coachella, delivering a performance that resonated not only with electrifying beats but also with a powerful message of solidarity with Palestine. Amidst the anticipation of the No Doubt reunion, Saint Levant managed to captivate a massive crowd at the Gobi Tent, where fans draped in keffiyehs and Palestinian flags eagerly embraced his performance.
Born Marwan Abdelhamid, the 23-year-old artist boasts a diverse background, having spent his formative years in the Gaza Strip before journeying to Jordan and eventually settling in Los Angeles with his family. His intimate connection to Gaza infused his performance with authenticity as he addressed the audience, declaring, “My name is Saint Levant, and I was born in Jerusalem and raised in Gaza.”
Acknowledging the ongoing struggles faced by the Palestinian people, Saint Levant proclaimed, “The people of Gaza have been undergoing a brutal genocide for the past six months. And the people of Palestine have been undergoing a brutal occupation for the past 75 years.” His declaration echoed the sentiments of a community determined to raise awareness and demand justice for Palestine, embodying the collective voice of the Arab world.
Throughout his set, Saint Levant showcased a mix of established hits and newer tracks, including “Deira” and “5am in Paris,” which delve into themes of exile and displacement, reflecting both his personal experiences and the broader Palestinian narrative. “It’s about exile,” he expressed to his Coachella audience, “A feeling that us Palestinians know a bit too well.”
The significance of Saint Levant’s presence at Coachella was not lost on attendees, with festival-goers like Yara Brenton, aged 43, describing the experience as “incredible” and emphasizing the importance of Saint Levant’s outspokenness about the Palestinian cause. Reflecting on the growing awareness of Palestine, Brenton remarked, “There are a lot more people who know about Palestine today. And there’s no going back, I think, from this awareness.”
Saint Levant’s emergence follows in the footsteps of fellow Palestinian artists like Elyanna, who made history as the first Palestinian to perform at Coachella the previous year. Their presence not only enriches the musical landscape but also serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of art to inspire change and amplify marginalized voices.
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