A music very special fundraiser and workshop with Palestinian singer & musicologist Reem Kelani, hosted by Folkestone Stand with Palestine

Palestinian musician and broadcaster Reem Kelani has performed in festivals from Seattle to Shanghai and Syria. She has also pioneered the introduction of Arabic music in schools and with choirs across the UK. Her debut album “Sprinting Gazelle – Palestinian songs from the Motherland and the Diaspora” is included in the Model Music Curriculum for schools in England and Wales: https://tinyurl.com/27byj272 (https://tinyurl.com/27byj272)

In her workshop at WOMAD, Reem will touch on the principles of Arabic music and rhythm, introduce participants to Palestinian song, and have everyone singing with her. No-one need worry about the challenge of Arabic language, as Reem has produced transliterations of the lyrics to facilitate their uptake by non-Arabic speakers. She will also provide translations.

About Reem Kelani

Reem Kelani is a Palestinian singer, musicologist, broadcaster and educator who has brought Palestinian music to audiences across the UK and internationally. Her performances have taken her from Seattle to Shanghai and Syria, while her pioneering educational work has introduced Arabic music to schools and choirs throughout the UK.

Her debut album, Sprinting Gazelle – Palestinian Songs from the Motherland and the Diaspora, brings together Palestinian songs and poetry, affirming a living cultural heritage and the histories it carries. Her work embraces songs of sadness, defiance, happiness and celebration.

As Reem puts it: “I exist, therefore I sing.”

Explore her music on Bandcamp (https://reemkelani.bandcamp.com/).

Supporting The Sameer Project

This event raises funds for The Sameer Project, a Palestinian-led mutual aid initiative supporting vulnerable and displaced communities in Gaza. Its work includes providing food, water, shelter and medical aid, responding directly to the needs of people on the ground.

Learn more about The Sameer Project and its work (https://thesameerproject.org/).

Description supplied by the event organiser.