A historical and contemporary study of Palestinian musicianship in exile in the Middle East, spanning half a century in disparate locations

Palestinian Music in Exile is a historical and contemporary study of Palestinian musicianship in exile in the Middle East, spanning half a century in disparate locations, including Gaza, Turkey, Kuwait, and Egypt. Grassroots musicians emerge here as powerful actors, their stories taking center stage, offering critiques of existing conditions, and new perspectives on displacement and the transmission of Palestinian narratives, and presenting alternative visions for the future.

Louis Brehony argues that, under conditions of colonial relations and repeated displacement, the reclaiming of public space has gone hand in hand with aesthetic revolution, both broadening and traditionalizing the sounds of Palestine, and carrying messages of sumud (steadfastness) and resistance. Based on a decade's research in Europe and the Middle East, this timely and inspiring collection of musical ethnographies provides a rich oral history of contemporary Palestinian musicianship and encompasses a broad range of experiences of the ghurba, or state of exile.

A historical and contemporary study of Palestinian musicianship in exile in the Middle East, spanning half a century in disparate locations.

About the Author
Louis Brehony is an activist, musician, researcher and educator, and a preeminent global scholar of Palestinian music. He is the director of the award-winning documentary film Kofia: A Revolution Through Music (2021) and has published widely on Palestine and political culture in the Palestine Chronicle, Middle East Monitor, Arab Media and Society, and a range of other journals. Louis received his PhD from King's College London and a master's in composition from the University of Salford, and performs internationally as a multi-instrumentalist. He has family origins in Ireland and lives in Manchester, UK.

Reviews

"An incredible read. . . . Anyone reading this book would do well to keep it as a permanent source of reference."-Middle East Monitor

"A compelling narrative that not only informs but also inspires a deeper appreciation for the resilience and creativity of Palestinian musicians in exile."-Arab Studies Quarterly

"In addition to its masterful history of Palestinian music, Brehony's book serves as such a guide, reinforcing already held beliefs with a fresh view of how to create a better world."-Mondoweiss

"The book leaves the reader with the impression that although Palestinians are not yet free, their music and culture remain sources of strength and inspiration . . . serving to keep their collective spirit alive."-Morning Star

"A book brimming with research which weaves together the many strands of Palestinian resistance, explored through music and from a Marxist perspective."-The New Arab

"This book evokes the pulse of the people by foregrounding the voices of displaced Palestinian musicians in a breadth of musical situations."-Scottish Left Review

"Based on a deep knowledge of Palestinian resistance and culture, this book weaves together revolutionary Marxist and anticolonial theory with Palestinian history, music, and political and social ideas, in a way which is both accessible and intelligent."-Tahrir Hamdi, Arab Open University

"Louis Brehony's book is a testament to the centrality of Palestinian culture, particularly music, to the continuity of the Palestinian struggle. He bears witness to the power of culture as a generator of meaning, and as a revolutionary tool in the hands of working-class Palestinian refugees in Palestine and in the diaspora."-Ramzy Baroud, Palestine Chronicle

"Louis Brehony's outstanding work sheds light on the various circumstances and factors that influenced the creation of Palestinian music in exile, which then became truly diverse and unique in the Arab world."-Bashar Shammout, Al Fajer

Book Information
ISBN 9781649033048
Author Louis Brehony
Format Hardback
Page Count 340
Imprint American University in Cairo Press
Publisher American University in Cairo Press