logo
episode-header-image
Sep 12
20m 7s

This Palestinian Singer Was BANNED for B...

@assadshal, @talalraps, @hashwi
About this episode

In this powerful episode of Habibi House, we sit down with Palestinian singer-songwriter, director, and cultural force Lina Makoul — the first Palestinian winner of The Voice I*rael — who’s redefining what it means to be a “radical” artist. From rejecting a conventional path in biology to headlining global festivals, Lina has become a voice for the voiceless, blending music, visuals, and identity into a singular creative force. In this conversation, we dive into: 🔥 Her decision to leave university and pursue music 🔥 How she reclaimed the word “radical” and made it the title of her upcoming EP 🔥 The trauma and triumph of being banned in Haifa 🔥 Her visual storytelling, symbolism, and why Arabic lyrics matter 🔥 Chanting as sacred ritual: why music is a form of collective healing 🔥 Standing beside ancient olive trees while singing about Palestinian memory 🔥 How occupation shaped her creativity, and how she channels that into liberation 🔥 Her dinner with Will.i.am (!), Aquarius Festival, and building Palestine’s music future Lina breaks down how being Palestinian isn’t just geography — it’s a mindset. And how she's turning every performance into a healing ritual for resistance.

Up next
Oct 2
"From Prison To Palestine" How One Man's Journey Seeking Redemption Led Him To The Palestinian Cause
This episode of Habibi House is unlike anything we've done before. We’re joined by acclaimed filmmaker Justin Mashouf and the courageous star of his new documentary Hamzah Furqani, who imprisoned in the U.S. for decades navigating the corrupt, exploitative, "for profit" prison sy ... Show More
42m 4s
Sep 25
Is Cancel Culture Bad For Business? Comedian Sammy Obeid Discusses Canceling Comics and Activists
In this episode of Habibi House, comedian Sammy Obeid sits down to unpack the complicated relationship between cancel culture, free speech, and how it impacts comedians, activists, and Palestine advocates.From his experience in the comedy industry to his outspoken views on Gaza, ... Show More
28m 42s
Sep 8
This Doctor Went To Gaza... And Survived To Tell The World The Truth
In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Dr. Mohamed “Mo” Mustafa—emergency physician, humanitarian advocate, and headliner at ArabCon 2025—joins us to break down the emotional, spiritual, and political weight of healing in a world trying to erase us.From the ER to the front ... Show More
59m 2s
Recommended Episodes
Aug 6
Palestinian Singer Lina Makoul: Unmuted, Radical & Community-Built
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 jour ... Show More
1h 10m
Sep 2024
Lina Makoul: My Journey as an Independent Artist Living Under Occupation
In this episode, I sit down with Palestinian artist Lina Makoul to talk about life in occupied Palestine, the story behind her powerful song "On Mute," and what it means to be a '48 Palestinian.' Plus, an exclusive live performance and her bold vision for using music to e ... Show More
31m 51s
Nov 2024
Israa Shalaby at Habibi Festival 2024 | Quartertones Live at Joe's Pub
Join us for an intimate performance and conversation with Palestinian singer and songwriter Israa Shalaby which took place at Habibi Festival this October. Recently relocated to NYC, Israa reflects on how her performances act as a spiritual connection to something divine and othe ... Show More
43m 2s
Jun 2025
Episode 39 - “This nightmare” was created due to Europe’s antisemitism | Ghada Karmi | UNAPOLOGETIC
“It’s left me with a deep and simmering anger against the western powers who imposed this nightmare on us.”Palestinian physician, author and Nakba survivor Ghada Karmi joins UNAPOLOGETIC to speak about how her life has been shaped by exile and how, as she tried to find a new home ... Show More
1h 13m
Jan 2025
Palestine in Every Melody | Rola Azar
In this episode of Tarwida, we talk to Palestinian singer Rola Azar, whose music beautifully balances the past and present, blending the traditional with the modern. For Rola, music isn’t just art—it’s life. She shares memories of growing up in Nazareth, where she’d lose herself ... Show More
47m 46s
Jul 7
Just Saying You're Palestinian is Powerful | Alana Hadid
Creative director, activist, and storyteller Alana Hadid joins us for an in-depth conversation, sharing her earliest memories of growing up in a Palestinian-American family, the influence of her family members, and how she navigates social media algorithms to educate and raise aw ... Show More
46m 15s
Apr 2025
I am the Land, and the Land is Me - Nabil Anani (Arabic episode)
What does it mean to create art under a brutal colonial system? To make beauty in the midst of struggle? In this episode, Palestinian visual artist Nabil Anani reflects on the First Intifada and the experimental spirit it sparked. He shares why art must be rooted in its environme ... Show More
48m 47s
Oct 2
Dana Salah: Falahi Pop, Tatreez & Cultural Resistance | Sumud Podcast
🎙️This week on the Sumud Podcast, recorded live at ADC’s ArabCon, we welcome Jordanian Palestinian singer, songwriter, and producer Dana Salah. Known for blending traditional Palestinian folklore with global contemporary sounds, Dana has pioneered a genre she calls Falahi Pop. H ... Show More
26m 4s
Jul 21
Older Than Occupation | Rima Nasir Tarazi
Palestinian composer and pianist Rima Nasir Tarazi reflects on her extraordinary life, sharing wisdom shaped by 93 years of personal and political challenges. Despite everything she’s witnessed, or perhaps because of it, Rima still holds a remarkable grit for life. In this episod ... Show More
48m 59s
May 2025
EMEL on Freedom, Feminism, and Healing Through Her Music
What does it mean to find your voice — and use it to create change?In today’s episode of Yalla! Let’s Talk., I sit down with Tunisian artist EMEL, a singer, songwriter, and storyteller whose music has inspired people across the world. From her breakout anthem “Kelmti Horra” — onc ... Show More
1h 9m