The Palestinian rap group DAM put Palestinian rap on the map and inspired Arab rap in general with songs like Meen Irhabi (Who’s the terrorist?). DAM did not only address Arabs, however. As Palestinian citizens of Israel, they also had Hebrew lyrics, directly challenging their oppressor.
Tamer Nafar, one of the group’s founding members, has since launched a solo career which includes writing and starring in a semi autobiographical film, Junction 48 as well as newly released music. He joined Rania Khalek to discuss his art, his home in the mixed Israeli city of Lydd, and the story of his life.
Songs and movies that were discussed:
The Beat Never Goes Off https://youtu.be/6kJl_pEhvxM
Go There https://youtu.be/gp0tx64Rwos
Meen Irhabi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duwsH-gAmuM
Tamer’s movie Junction 48: https://youtu.be/tDIQcJGdDXs
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Rania Khalek is a Middle East-based journalist for Breakthrough News. Her work has also appeared at The Grayzone, The intercept, Truthout, Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting, Al Jazeera, The Nation, Salon, AlterNet, Vice and more.
