Palestinian singer Lina Makoul delves into the responsibility of artists to translate public sentiment, the worsening situation in Gaza and the West Bank, and the impact of the 900 new checkpoints added by the occupation on day-to-day Palestinian life. Makoul talks about her journey as an independent artist, her research into Palestinian history, and the challenges faced by Palestinian artists under occupation. The discussion also covers the importance of community and creative collaborations, and the power of art in resistance. Makoul also shares her experiences on international tours and highlights the significance of maintaining genuine artistic expression amidst political and economic pressures.
This episode was recorded on May 19, 2025
00:00 Introduction
02:45 Daily Life and Struggles in Palestine
06:18 Reclaiming Voice and Story
08:06 Challenges for Independent Palestinian Artists
08:26 Historical Context and Cultural Identity
10:13 Art as a Form of Resistance
13:14 Global Perception of Palestine
24:17 Collaborative Creative Projects
32:40 Building a Community-Driven Ecosystem
01:02:55 Navigating Fame and Authenticity
01:09:38 Final Thoughts
Lina Makoul is a Palestinian singer-songwriter and music producer who rose to prominence after winning "The Voice Israel" in 2013. Initially signing with a manager and achieving international chart success with English-language pop, she later chose to become an independent artist in 2020. This shift allowed her to embrace her Palestinian heritage more fully, creating indie-pop music primarily in Arabic and using her platform to advocate for Palestinian artists and narratives. Makoul is known for blending contemporary sounds with cultural influences and actively supports Palestinian talent in her music video productions. She opened for Saint Levant on his 2024 "Deira" tour and is set to release her new EP, "Radical."
Connect with Lina Makoul 👉 https://www.instagram.com/linamakoul
Hosted by Mikey Muhanna
Connect with Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/
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