Spotify and Apple Music come under fire for removing Mohammed Assaf’s Palestinian hit

[ad_1]

Image credit: Mohammad Assaf/Facebook

Music streaming giants Spotify and Apple Music have removed the famous Palestinian song Ana Dammi Falastini (My Blood is Palestinian) and other songs by famous Palestinian singer Mohammed Assaf, following allegations of incitement against Israel.

The song, released in 2015, is widely recognized as a patriotic Palestinian song frequently played at events celebrating Palestinian culture. It regained virality during the social media movement against the Israeli occupation of Sheikh Jarrah in 2021.

In a statement to Al-Araby Al-Jadeed (The New Arab), Assaf expressed his shock at the removal of his hit song from popular streaming platforms. He received an official email stating that the song had been removed due to its supposed incitement against the Zionist enemy.

The 33-year-old singer, from the besieged Gaza Strip refugee camp Khan Younis, dismissed the complaint, saying the prosecution further strengthens his commitment and loyalty to his homeland and the just cause of Palestine.

This accusation increases my honor and my belonging to my homeland, Palestine and my just cause, even if they delete this song, it is present in the memory and conscience of every Palestinian and every honorable free man who defends the right of the Palestinian people to achieve their freedom and independence, Assaf said.

This is not the first time that Assaf, peace ambassador for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees, has faced hostility for his music. In 2020, a member of Israel’s Likud party tried to bar him from entering the occupied Palestinian territories, which led to the withdrawal of a special permit usually given to Gazans to enter the occupied West Bank.

The impeachment of Ana Dammi Falastini sparked outrage among Arab and Palestinian activists on social media, who denounced the platforms for their perceived lack of integrity.

Spotify Arabia, the Arabic arm of the music streaming company, declared its support for Assaf on Instagram on May 17, promising users that the artists’ songs will soon return to Spotify. Apple has yet to comment on the matter.

Egyptians can now open bank accounts with no minimum deposit

[ad_2]