When I received the press release for this project, I had major doubts about whether I should post about it on my channels.
Firstly, because I’m neither Israeli nor Palestinian. So, by default, I can’t take any sides in the Gaza conflict. Secondly, because I’ve been following the debate surrounding it since the beginning. The narrative is strongly controlled by one party – the one with the louder megaphone. Anyone who disagrees with that option is automatically classified as the enemy with racist implications involved. And I refuse to be dragged into this unfair and treacherous political game.
But an event I took part in recently made me reconsider my stance. So if there’s anything I can do to help raise awareness about this all-out war, in which civilians are dying and the international community has limited means to protect them, I’m here for it. That’s why I want you all to know about the song “Until We’re All Free”.
PART 176 OF “AM I EVER GONNA SEE YOUR FACE AGAIN?” A RANDOM COLLECTION OF UNKNOWINGLY OBVIOUS FACTS ABOUT AUSTRALIAN MUSIC SCENE
Last weekend, I attended an interview with a female reporter who has covered many global conflicts in her journalistic career.
Among mind-blowing stories about her risky profession, she reminded the audience that no international press is currently freely allowed into the Gaza Strip. So not only are human rights violated on a massive scale on our watch (or rather the lack of it), but the global community is also denied access to first-hand, objective knowledge about what’s going on and the precarious conditions of the innocent people trapped inside.
Just to be clear – I condemn human rights breaches and endangering lives by both sides of the conflict between Israel and Hamas. But what offends and disgusts me as a journalist the most is that civilians are dying in Gaza, many of them women, vulnerable children and the elderly. And it seems the world is doing very little at the moment to intervene and put an end to it.
So it’s time the music community made some noise about it, as it has many times before in similar situations.
That noise – for now – has been made by a faraway destination. Over 20 Australia-based artists have come together to create a song for peace in Gaza, sending a powerful message of love and solidarity with its people.
Amidst the heavy silence from the music and creative arts industries, the track challenges the suppression of voices, demanding an immediate ceasefire. It’s inspired by the words of the iconic, intersectional feminist, poet and civil rights activist Audre Lorde: “We’re not free until we’re all free”.
It is a somewhat historic moment, without exaggeration. As the first collaboration on such a scale, especially in Australia, it specifically addresses this horrendous situation. It’s also significant that artists from the Palestinian and Arab but also First Nations and other ethnic backgrounds have joined their artistic forces to call out injustice.
The list of creatives who have participated in this project is truly impressive. From multidisciplinary artists, accomplished musicians, dancers and cinematographers to vocal community leaders, educators and human rights lawyers.
Some of these artists have previously been guests on my blog, like rappers DOBBY and ChillCheney. I’m not surprised to see their names on the track’s lineup. DOBBY, for example, often stands up for various causes and highlights uncomfortable events swept under the carpet by the establishment. After all, music serves as a symbol of resistance, showcasing the strength of unity and a testimony to the healing power of art rooted in shared experiences.
This anthem is no different. More than a call for unity, it’s a message to everyone, particularly fellow artists, creatives and the whole music industry, to leverage their influence.
I can imagine many of us, common people, don’t feel comfortable voicing our concerns related to the decades-long conflict in Gaza for fear of online retaliation and not wanting to politicise our channels. I’m conscious of what might ensue after I’ve published this post. But this IS the time to use our platforms to speak up against wrongdoing and human rights breaches.
Especially this verse of the song, performed by L-FRESH The Lion, contrasts the official narrative with the harsh reality, and encourages to scream about it from the rooftops:
“Check it / In one hand they claiming human rights / The other hand they taking human life / Say democracy but giving no choice / Freedom of speech but silencing voice / Hypocrisy reeks, they bombing for peace / No water, no food, got nothing to eat / Actions speak loud, talking is cheap / Ceasefire now, may there be peace”.
Urging for a world where solidarity and community stand as the antidote to oppression is what this song is about. “Until We’re All Free” is a collective call for action and a powerful expression of voices that demand to be heard.
To further amplify the message, the song is accompanied by a video filmed at the Palestinian-owned, family-run Yummy Yummy Cafe in Lakemba, New South Wales. The location itself serves as the foundation of the creative vision. Director Feras Shaheen invites you to knafeh [a traditional Middle Eastern dessert] world, where we can reminisce about home with all our individual voices, stories, and bodies collectively standing for justice worldwide.
There’s also the charitable part of the whole project. Any funds generated from the song or video will be equally split between and donated to two organisations.
Olive Kids is an Australian Foundation dedicated to supporting the children of Palestine. While The Dhadjowa Foundation was established to provide strategic, coordinated and culturally appropriate support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families whose loved ones have died in custody.
Last but not least, the artists have a message to you as well, dear reader:
“Listen. Share. Act Now. Attend protests and events. Add the song to playlists, listen on repeat, and share it with the world. Make your own work, and use your platforms. Say it loud and proud. CEASE FIRE NOW.“
I second that. For all the innocent people suffering in Gaza, no matter what their nationality or ethnic origin. May there be finally peace.
Full list of creatives involved in the project:
Sereen (producer/ rapper)
Sara Saleh (vocals)
Feras Shaheen (director/ dancer)
Vyvienne Abla (project producer)
DOBBY (producer/ rapper)
BVT (rapper)
Jafar (rapper)
Zeadala (rapper, vocals)
Kid Pharaoh (rapper)
ChillCheney (rapper)
L-FRESH The LION (rapper)
Big Rigs (rapper)
J Lute (Dem Mob) (rapper)
MC Trey (vocals)
Maissa (vocals)
Moe Omran (backing vocals)
Najah Haidar (backing vocals)
Ali Samman (backing vocals)
Dema (backing vocals)
Wejdan Shamala (backing vocals)
Rafiko (darbouka)
Cheeky (dancer, smoking)
Gabi (dancer)
Zain (dancer)
Malek Sukkar (filming)
Muhib Faris (filming)
Cover art by Feras Shaheen
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