Saint Levant, the Palestinian pop star whose real name is Marwan Abdelhamid, has become a polarising figure in the Arab music scene. His detractors argue that making pop music during times of war and destruction is inappropriate, while his millions of fans say he has given them permission to celebrate their culture and their cause.
The artist first gained attention in late 2022 with his song 'Very Few Friends', which went viral on TikTok. In the video, he raps in English, Arabic and French, blending flirtatious lyrics with a modern, cosmopolitan style. The song's explicit references to sex and dating were a departure from the chaste norms of mainstream Arabic pop, earning him both praise and criticism.
Saint Levant's background is as complex as his music. Born in Jerusalem to a Palestinian father and a Serbian-French mother, he grew up in Gaza before moving to the United States for university. His 2023 album 'From Gaza, With Love' established his roots but remained largely in the trilingual pop genre, leading some to dismiss him as a one-hit wonder.
However, the outbreak of war in Gaza in October 2023 changed everything. For many Arabs, the conflict brought a renewed sense of shared grief and solidarity. In this context, Saint Levant's music took on new meaning. His fans saw his work as a celebration of Palestinian identity and resilience, while critics felt that making pop music during such devastation was tone-deaf.
Saint Levant himself has addressed the controversy, stating that his music is a form of resistance and a way to humanise the Palestinian experience. He continues to perform and release new material, navigating the fine line between entertainment and political expression.
