Saint Levant releases new album "DEIRA" – A powerful tribute to Palestine

Saint Levant's latest album, DEIRA, released on June 7, 2024, has quickly gained attention for its emotional depth and unique sound. The album blends North African, Arab, and contemporary melodies to explore themes of love, displacement, identity, and culture while envisioning a return to a liberated Palestine.

The story behind DEIRA

The album's title, DEIRA, is inspired by the Al Deira Hotel in Gaza, a place that holds deep personal significance for Saint Levant. Born in Jerusalem to a French-Algerian mother and a Palestinian-Serbian father, Saint Levant’s multicultural background has always played a central role in his music. His father designed and operated the Al Deira Hotel from 2001, until it was destroyed by Israeli bombings in late 2023. Rather than seeing this tragic loss as the end, Saint Levant turned it into inspiration, making the hotel a symbol of resilience, hope, and the dream of Palestine’s restoration.

A unique blend of sounds

DEIRA consists of eight tracks that beautifully merge traditional Palestinian music with global influences. Saint Levant draws from his North African heritage and the broader Arab world, blending North African rhythms, Arab pop, and modern sounds in a way that feels fresh and vibrant. Produced by Saint Levant himself alongside collaborators like Abdellah Messous and Khalil Cherradi, the album is a true fusion of cultures and styles.

Themes and lyrical depth

The album’s lyrics explore a range of themes, including love, displacement, identity, and the Palestinian struggle. Saint Levant’s multilingual lyrics—sung in English, French, and Arabic—reflect his diverse heritage and make the album accessible to a global audience. The recurring theme throughout DEIRA is a longing for home and a deep connection to the Palestinian cause, particularly the desire for liberation and peace.

Collaborations that stand out

Saint Levant has brought together an impressive lineup of collaborators to enhance DEIRA. Notable guest artists include Kehlani, MC Abdul, TIF, and Sol Band, with Algerian rai singer Cheb Bilal also contributing his unique voice. Palestinian-Jordanian artist Zeyne adds haunting background vocals throughout the album, creating a layered, atmospheric sound.

Must-listen tracks

Here are some standout tracks from DEIRA that you’ll want to check out:

"On This Land" (feat. Sol Band): A moving rendition of the Palestinian anthem Mawtini, setting a powerful tone for the rest of the album.

"Allah Yihmeeki" (feat. Kehlani): This track blends the soulful vocals of Kehlani with Arab-pop elements for a smooth and compelling sound.

"Deira" (feat. MC Abdul): Featuring 15-year-old Gazan rapper MC Abdul, this title track is a raw and emotional exploration of hope and resilience in the face of conflict.

Click here to listen to the full album!

Conclusion

Saint Levant’s DEIRA is a heartfelt tribute to Palestine, blending traditional and contemporary sounds with personal and political themes. As a Palestinian artist with roots in multiple cultures, Saint Levant has crafted an album that not only celebrates Palestinian identity but also offers hope for a liberated future. DEIRA is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates music with a deeper message.