Recording of Gazan-Kenyan musical performance now available

The goal is to foster more such cross-cultural events, including composition collaborations and joint performances.

December 10, 2024

Two musicians performing from Gaza, Belal Saleh and Ahmed Raed Doghmush, joined four Kenyan musicians in a musical performance that is now available for viewing on the YouTube channel of Emerging Voices Webzine.

The Sumud-Uthabiti (resilience) Project brought together the musicians for a live stream on November 17, 2024.

Kake Wakake, Lydia Dola, and Kasiva Mutua performed in Nairobi; Kenyan Judith Bwire joined the informal recital from the U.S. Kenyan Juliette Omolo hosted the event.

Male musician playing the oud. — *Belal Saleh playing the oud. Screenshot from performance recording*

Man singing as he stands in front of a brick wall. — *Ahmed Raed Doghmush performing a song. Screenshot from performance recording*

Participation of the Gaza musicians was coordinated by We Are Not Numbers. Emerging Voices sponsored the event.

The objective is to foster more such cross-cultural activities, says Emerging Voices founder Rose Levinson, including composition collaborations and joint performances, ideally in-person.

On the recording, Omolo acknowledged technical issues in this first musical venture. “There has been challenges because of the current situation going on in Gaza right now. But still they made it, they showed up. They use their art every day.”