RAqS w/ AL DARWISH and EMSALLAM

Hani Alsawah aka Aldarwish is a Berlin based prominent Syrian Arab rapper, record label producer\executive and a curator for Arab rap events. With two albums, more than 50 singles, 100 concerts and three battles to his credit. Aldarwish is well known for his lyricism, wordplay and ability to freestyle in the independent music scene of the Levant and the Arab world. Collaborating with various artists, producers and musicians from a variety of genres contributed to the diverse range of skills and literacy he displays in his music.

Msallam Hdaib aka Emsallam is a Jordanian/Palestinian rapper, painter and audio-visual artist based in Moscow. In 2016, he released his first solo album “The Last Step – الخطوة الاخيرة“, arguably the first full-fledged trap album released by any artist in MENA region, with the chorus of the hit track “Khawa – خاوة‘ becoming a catch phrase in levant region. “Ijramen Anhen – إجرمن عنهن“, released in 2018 as part of his second album laid the blueprint for an exciting fusion of Arab folk and trap. Emsallam released his second album Post-Colonialism in 2018, and Dyslexia under Keife Records in 2020. Msallam holds a Bachelor in Fine arts and a Masters in Ceramics and is constantly alternating and merging his creative expression between his two favored crafts, music and fine/visual arts. In all the artistic mediums he traverses, Hdaib uniquely challenges taboo subjects, offering unapologetic commentary grounded in a deep understanding of the political, cultural and artistic history of his region and beyond.

RAqS is a collective of event planners/makers with a mission to empower underground and contemporary arts, presenting live shows and audio-visual performances full of Levantine (Ash-Shaam) chants and rhythms, Tarab music and Andalusian classics – in ambient and electronic music styles.

This program is produced by Raqs experiences | co-produced by Stichting Pera | co-hosted by Paradiso Amsterdam | funded by Amsterdam fonds voor de Kunst – AFK

In support of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, this event will be raising funds supporting the urgent need for medical aid:
- Donations from RAqS and Aldarwish will go towards MAP.
- Donations from Emsallam will go towards JHCO.

El FAR3I STATEMENT:
“Dear friends in Europe, I apologize for my absence from the Amsterdam and Berlin shows. I am certain that it is our duty to activate and empower Arab events in Europe and abroad, demonstrating our presence and connection to our causes, particularly Palestine and the genocide commited on Gaza. This is especially important as we reshape these events and connect them to fundraising channels and amplifying voices of freedom. However, personally, I will refrain from taking the stage in the upcoming weeks. You will be informed of the new dates once they are determined. Amsterdam show Thursday with (Emsallam and AlDarwish ) Thank you and may God be with our people in Gaza.”