Reem Kelani
Reviving Palestinian Musical Heritage
- Born
- 7 August 1963
- Born in
- Manchester, United Kingdom
- Path
- Music
Why Reem is here
Reem Kelani is celebrated for her exceptional work in preserving and promoting Palestinian music, intertwining it with global genres like jazz, and bringing Palestinian cultural narratives to international audiences.
Their story
Reem Kelani is a British-Palestinian singer, musicologist, and broadcaster whose work focuses on reviving traditional Palestinian music and sharing the Palestinian narrative through song. Born in the UK and raised in Kuwait, Kelani has dedicated her career to ensuring that the music and stories of Palestine are preserved and disseminated widely. Her powerful voice and unique blend of Palestinian music with jazz have garnered her international acclaim.
Milestones
The moments that shaped Reem’s path.
1963
Born in Manchester, UK
Raised in a multicultural environment, Kelani was exposed to various musical traditions, which later influenced her artistic approach.
1970s
Fell in Love with Palestinian Music
After attending a family wedding in Galilee, her passion for Palestinian music was ignited, setting the course for her future career.
2006
Released Sprinting Gazelle
Her debut album, featuring Palestinian songs from the motherland and the diaspora, was a significant contribution to Palestinian cultural preservation and has been praised for its authenticity and emotional depth.
Read more2014
Performed with Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra
Kelani’s performance in the production Stemmer with this prestigious orchestra highlighted her ability to fuse Palestinian music with Western classical traditions.
2019
Released Why Do I Love Her
This EP continued her exploration of personal and collective Palestinian identity, blending traditional Palestinian songs with other global influences.
Legacy
What they built, changed and left behind.
Reviving and Preserving Palestinian Songs
Through her album Sprinting Gazelle, Kelani meticulously revived traditional Palestinian songs, ensuring their preservation for future generations and highlighting the richness of Palestinian musical heritage.
WatchCombining Palestinian Music with Jazz
Kelani’s unique integration of Palestinian music with jazz has not only enriched the genre but also brought Palestinian stories to new and diverse audiences.
WatchEducating and Broadcasting
Kelani has been a regular broadcaster on BBC Radio, where she presents programs that explore music from various diaspora communities, including Palestinians, thereby educating the public about Palestinian culture.
Promoting Palestinian Culture Internationally
Through her global performances, Kelani has used her music to promote Palestinian culture on international stages, advocating for the recognition of Palestinian narratives in their own right.
Read moreCollaborations with Global Artists
Kelani’s collaborations with international musicians and orchestras have introduced Palestinian music to broader audiences, furthering the reach of Palestinian cultural expression.
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Watch & listen
Reem in interviews, talks and coverage.
Further reading
- worldmusiccentral.orgWorld Music Centralworldmusiccentral.org/2017/11/18/artist-profiles-reem-kelani
- electronicintifada.netElectronic Intifadaelectronicintifada.net/content/reem-kelani-telling-palestinian-narrative-through-song/6083
- reemkelani.comArtist’s original professional CVreemkelani.com/docs/251106 - RYK cv.pdf
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