Visit West Bank: Concerts with Bashar Murad and Tamer Nafar

This year marks 75 years since May 15, 1948, the day Palestinians call Al-Nakba, which in Arabic means catastrophe, and marks the start of Israel's assault on Palestine and the Palestinian people. With the creation of the State of Israel, 13,000 Palestinians were killed and 750,000 were displaced. Today, nearly 6 million Palestinians still live as refugees.

In cooperation with the Palestine Committee, Melahuset is this year part of the Nakba commemoration and invites you to concerts with Palestinian artists Bashar Murad and Tamer Nafar.

The concerts start at 21:00

Bashar Murad

Bashar Murad is a multi-talented Palestinian singer, songwriter and filmmaker who produces globally-inspired pop music rooted in the Palestinian spirit. His music challenges stereotypes and highlights social issues affecting Palestinian youth that are rarely addressed - including life under occupation, gender equality and LGBTQ+ issues, Bashar always takes risks. As an Arab resident of Jerusalem, he challenges both the external occupation Palestinians live under and the internal conflicts imposed by conservative society.

Tamer Nafar

Don't miss Palestinian rapper Tamer Nafar's first solo concert in Norway!

Tamer Nafar is a musician, actor, screenwriter and social activist, among other things. His lyrics range from reflections on occupation and politics to love and poverty. In 2000, Tamer formed the first Palestinian hip-hop group, DAM, with his brother and a close friend. Their song "Min Irhabi" (Who is the Terrorist) earned them a well-deserved title as one of the earliest and most influential hip-hop groups in the Middle East.

Tamer has also used music and art as a tool for social and cultural activism to raise awareness about important issues caused by the occupation, such as the forced separation and displacement of Palestinians, and the inequalities between Arab communities within Israel.

This will be his first solo concert in Norway.

In addition to the concerts at Melahuset , there will be activities on the West Bank (by the river Akerselva), a demonstration in front of the Parliament and a DJ/club at Hausmania. Read more on Visit Vestbredden's website.

Admission to the concert is free, but those who can are encouraged to support the festival via Spleis and Vipps.

About Visit West Bank:

The Visit West Bank Cultural Solidarity Festival once again "occupies" the area from the Fairy Tale Bridge to Vega and Hausmania with a celebration of Palestinian culture - the Saturday closest to Nakba Day. There will be Palestinian food, music from famous Palestinian and political artists, art and photo exhibitions, theater, film, stands and information, and activities for all ages such as graffiti workshop, kite flying workshop, face painting, and poster workshop. In the middle of the festival program, the festival area will be closed in solidarity "strike" to focus on the demonstration in front of the Parliament with the following demonstration train back to the West Bank. 

Visit West Bank has two main goals: to celebrate and promote the diverse and colorful Palestinian culture, and to fight for political change and accountability in Norway. The festival promotes cultural activism and supports Palestinian and other voices fighting for justice. Art and culture can challenge destructive narratives and create change, giving voice to those who are otherwise unheard or misrepresented. 

As a movement of solidarity, we stand together, big and small, to commemorate 75 years since the Nakba and to honor Palestinian culture and resistance.