“Culture is not separate from politics. It is where politics lives and breathes. Culture shapes how we see the world, what we believe is possible, and who we believe deserves dignity. For too long, the dominant culture has dehumanized Palestinians, erased their history, and justified their oppression.”
Artists Against Apartheid is a compilation featuring artists from the Bay Area using their art to bring attention to the ongoing violence and injustice in Palestine. Released in February, the collection begins with a sober solo prelude by Oakland cellist Lewis Patzner before moving into a moving piece by the Palestinian Youth Ensemble. Inspired by the famous Italian anti-fascist folk song “Bella Ciao” and performed as Palestinian traditional music, their rendition “Helwa Ciao” blends a musical and poetic call to resistance in both Arabic and English.
The rest of the collection features an eclectic array of artists, including Zheniia (with a jazz-and-rap cover of “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears for Fears), Citizens Jazz (led by Caroline Chung, who helped coordinate the formation of the album), and legendary underground SF rapper Equipto. The Palestinian Youth Ensemble closes the album with part two of “Helwa Ciao.”
All proceeds are tax-deductible and will be directed towards organizations that have supported Palestinians and Palestinian organizing, including the Middle East Children’s Alliance, HEAL Palestine, and the Palestinian Youth Movement.
