Saint Levant, the rising star in the music industry, captivated the audience at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California. The 23-year-old rapper, with a diverse background of Palestinian, French, Algerian, and Serbian heritage, brought his unique sound and message of Palestinian solidarity to the Gobi Tent stage. Despite a schedule clash with the highly anticipated No Doubt reunion, Saint Levant drew a large crowd of fans, many donning keffiyehs and waving Palestinian flags in support of his performance.
During his set, Saint Levant addressed the audience, sharing his personal story of being born in Jerusalem and raised in Gaza. He shed light on the ongoing struggle and oppression faced by the people of Palestine, highlighting the atrocities of the Israeli occupation and the recent brutal attacks on Gaza. Through his music, Saint Levant aims to amplify the voices of his people and raise awareness about the dire situation in Palestine. His powerful message resonated with festival-goers, like Mustafa Arch, who expressed their support for the cause and hailed Saint Levant’s performance as the highlight of the weekend.
Having spent his childhood in Gaza before seeking refuge in Jordan and eventually moving to the United States, Saint Levant draws inspiration from his personal experiences of displacement and exile. His trilingual rap tracks, including the viral hit “Very Few Friends” and “From Gaza With Love,” have garnered him a growing fanbase. At Coachella, he unveiled new tracks “Deira” and “5am in Paris,” touching on themes of exile and resilience that resonate deeply with Palestinians and marginalized communities worldwide.
The significance of Saint Levant’s presence at Coachella was not lost on attendees like Yara Brenton, who found it empowering to see a fellow Palestinian artist on stage representing their heritage. Saint Levant joins the ranks of Elyanna, the first Palestinian artist to perform at Coachella the previous year, signaling a shift towards greater diversity and inclusivity in the music industry. Brenton commended Saint Levant for using his platform to speak out about the Palestinian cause, noting the importance of raising awareness and promoting solidarity in the face of ongoing injustices.
The growing visibility of Palestinian artists like Saint Levant and Elyanna at major festivals like Coachella signifies a broader movement towards representation and empowerment for marginalized communities. Their voices resonate with audiences who are increasingly aware of social justice issues and the need for cultural diversity in mainstream entertainment. Through his music, Saint Levant continues to advocate for the rights of his people and shine a spotlight on the struggles faced by Palestinians, leaving a lasting impact on those who support his message of unity and resilience. In a changing landscape where awareness and activism intersect, Saint Levant stands out as a beacon of hope and inspiration for a better, more inclusive future.
