🔗 Share this article

A fundraising initiative is aiming to propel a traditional song from Palestine to the Christmas number one spot. The project seeks to send support to communities in Gaza while also spotlighting Palestinian cultural expression.

An Opportunity for Solidarity and an "Surprise Victory"

Musician and artist Brian Eno, who performs on the track, stated that the song titled Lullaby represents a opportunity to show solidarity with Palestinians over the Christmas period. He acknowledged the potential for an surprise number one.

“That would be amazing if that occurred, yes,” he said. “I’m not gonna be completely disappointed if it fails to, Christmas singles are a unique phenomenon.”

Powerful Theme of Self-Determination

Palestinian singer Nai Barghouti, who sings on the reimagining of a folk song called Yamma Mwel El Hawa, explained the song's powerful central theme.

“It has a deeply meaningful spot for many individuals,” Barghouti explained. “The essence is that I would rather die in dignity than exist without freedom. This is the primary message of the song; we seek to lead a life of dignity that we deserve as Palestinians.”

Production History and Contributing Musicians

The single was laid down after a large-scale benefit event held in the autumn. Initially planned to be done as a live recording, the performance was cut from the show due to time constraints.

The notable list of musicians contributing to Lullaby features a selection of well-known figures from the scene. All were part of the September show, which successfully generated a significant sum for relief efforts.

Final Touches and Availability

Lullaby was produced by a trio of producers and composers. The track showcases a mix of the original Arabic with contemporary English verses.

The team running the campaign have clarified that their goal is to raise as much as possible for a specific fund. These proceeds will be distributed to initiatives supporting Palestinians through an established charity.

“We haven't set a fixed goal,” a spokesperson commented. “We aim for whatever we can get. Obviously, the more the merrier. It all goes out to Gaza.”

The context in the area was described as its profound destruction, with a huge proportion of infrastructure described as levelled or seriously harmed.

“In that context, a handful of millions won't make that much difference. But I think what truly matters is primarily raising awareness for this issue and proving there’s another side to the story.”

The song is launching at the end of the week. Additionally, a full recording of the solidarity show will be made ready to watch on a digital service from mid-December.