A coalition of renowned musicians, including Brian Eno, Neneh Cherry, Celeste, and Nadine Shah, have united for a powerful bid to secure the UK's Christmas Number One spot with a charity single supporting Palestinian-led organisations.
A Musical Act of Love and Support
The track, titled 'Lullaby', is a poignant reimagining of the traditional Palestinian song Yamma Mwel El Hawa (Mama, Sing to the Wind). It is scheduled for release on 12 December and will raise crucial funds for the Choose Love charity's Together for Palestine Fund.
In a heartfelt statement, Brian Eno described the project as "an act of love for Palestine’s children." He emphasised the song's reflection of their "beauty, their longing and their hope," urging the public to rally behind the single. "If we rally together and download it, we have a real shot at landing Christmas No 1 – and turning that moment into vital life-saving support for Gaza’s families," he added.
The Artists and The Art Behind the Song
The project was orchestrated by the team behind September’s Together for Palestine charity show. The new English-language lyrics were penned by the legendary Peter Gabriel, while the musical arrangement and recomposition were handled by Kieran Brunt and Nai Barghouti.
Barghouti, who is Palestinian, shared a deep personal connection to the lullaby. "This lullaby from our Palestinian musical heritage has been with me since early childhood," she said. "Today, it returns at a much-needed time as a reminder of what Palestinians will never lose: hope, defiance, beauty, and dignity."
The single boasts an impressive roster of contributors, including Dan Smith of Bastille, Lana Lubany, the London Community Gospel Choir, and a special family collaboration. For artist Mabel, the recording was particularly significant. "It’s the first time I’ve sung with both my mum, Neneh, and sister, Tyson," she revealed. "For it to be a traditional lullaby in tribute to the mothers and children of Gaza means the world."
The evocative artwork for the single was created by Gazan painter Malak Mattar.
The Race for the Christmas Number One
The organisers are calling on fans to pre-order the single to bolster its campaign for the top chart position. The song will face stiff competition from established Christmas favourites and new releases.
Its main rivals include Kylie Minogue's Amazon Music-exclusive track XMAS, Denise Welch's Slayyy Bells, and the perennial holiday hits from Wham! and Mariah Carey.
The proceeds from Lullaby will be directed to the Choose Love charity's Together for Palestine Fund, which supports frontline organisations such as Taawon, the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, and the Palestine Medical Relief Society.
The official UK Christmas Number One will be announced on 19 December.
