Palestinian DJ and producer Sama Abdulhadi got a special welcome at the final edition of Ireland’s longest running electronic dance festival, Celtronic, lighting up a sold-out Nerve Centre with a special party that had the whole place bouncing.
A powerful display of solidarity greeted Sama as a massive Palestinian flag was draped across the entrance of the venue and behind her on the stage, symbolising the strong connection between Palestine and Derry.
Sama, the first internationally recognised Palestinian DJ, has been an unwavering voice against the ongoing occupation and genocide in her homeland. Through her music, she is a beacon of hope for millions around the world.
Féile Media caught up with Sama to discuss her journey through music, the historic ties and solidarity between Derry and Palestine, and the impact her work continues to have on both local and international stages.
Sama’s career began when she left Palestine for Beirut, immersing herself in the city’s emerging techno scene. It was in Lebanon that she honed her unique sound, blending Berlin techno with the rhythms and emotions of her Middle Eastern roots.
Her journey led her to the legendary 2018 Boiler Room set in Ramallah in the Occupied West Bank, which quickly became a milestone in her career, amassing over 12 million views and solidifying her status in the global electronic music community.
In the years since, Sama has performed at some of the biggest stages worldwide, all while remaining deeply committed to her activism. A fearless cultural advocate, she continuously speaks out on the horrific onslaught against the people of Gaza and works to amplify the voices of the marginalised through initiatives such as Union in Ramallah and Resilience.
Her mission is clear: to put Palestine on the musical map and promote international solidarity, offering a more nuanced understanding of the Middle East through the unifying power of music.
For a deeper insight into Sama’s musical journey and the special connection between Derry and Palestine, check out the full video interview here:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DIrdcXIyq_Z
https://www.facebook.com/feilederry/videos/1233993794808684?
