Palestinian artist Saint Levant has released his debut album, “Deira,” an eight-track project that blends Middle Eastern and contemporary sounds. The album, named after the Al Deira Hotel in Gaza City, which was operated by Levant’s father and destroyed in 2023, serves as a tribute to his heritage and personal experiences.
“Deira” features collaborations with artists such as Kehlani, TIF, MC Abdul, and Cheb Bilal. The album is rich in cultural references, incorporating elements of Algerian rai, Palestinian folk music, and contemporary pop. Each track showcases Levant’s multilingual rapping in English, French, and Arabic, providing a unique listening experience.
The album opens with “On This Land,” a rendition of the Palestinian song “Mawtini,” capturing the resilient spirit of Palestinian artists. Other notable tracks include “Forgive Me,” featuring TIF, which combines emotive horn sections and oriental percussion, and “Let Her Go,” which transitions between EDM beats and rai instrumentals.
Saint Levant describes the album as a journey through his identity, reflecting on themes of love, displacement, and cultural resilience. His introspective lyrics and the seamless integration of Eastern and Western musical elements make “Deira” a significant release in both Arabic and global music scenes.
In summary, “Deira” establishes Saint Levant as a pivotal figure in music, blending his Palestinian heritage with modern sounds to create a powerful and evocative album. The project highlights his artistic growth and dedication to representing his culture through music.
