Khansa + Bashar Murad (Lebanon / Palestine)

Khansa

Avant-garde twist on belly dancing tradition

Beirut-based KHANSA is a multifaceted Lebanese artist expressing himself through singing, electronica and belly dance. Although men have been known in the circles of baladi dance, it remains a rare and daring practice. “The goal is to break stereotypes of classical and traditional Middle Eastern values regarding masculinity” says Khansa. Born in Ghobeiry, one of Beirut’s southern suburbs, Khansa got interested in gender-bending performance from a young age, inspired by Arab stars like Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum. He is part of a long tradition of belly dancing practices that trace their origins to Egypt and today have distinct styles present from Turkey to Lebanon.

Khansa wants to make room for something new through his movement and genre-bending music. His avant-garde electropop weaves a universe of sensual electronica that flirts with contemporary baladi dance. His performances are a series of vignettes with different cultural references: everything from religion, art and coffee with an ex, to sharing untold stories about the SWANA region that celebrate love, intimacy, eroticism and Arab queer identity.

Bashar Murad

Musical search for freedom in an occupied country

Bashar Murad is a Palestinian Pop artist, singer/songwriter, and filmmaker producing globally influenced pop music rooted in Palestinian spirit. His music challenges stereotypes and highlights social issues facing Palestinian youth, including living under the occupation, within patriarchal settings. Whether he's performing in a wedding dress or singing about gender diversity, Bashar is always taking risks and expanding critical thinking. His single “Klefi/Samed” was a collaboration with Icelandic Industrial Punk band Hatari, who gained attention for unfurling scarves with the Palestinian flag during the results show of the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest held at Tel Aviv. Bashar also performed with them on Icelandic television and performed around Iceland, Roskilde Festival, and Tallinn Music Week. Bashar’s musical sounds span pop, electronica and modal inflections rooted in his expansive and creative sonic world. 

His latest release is the EP “Nafas”. Shortly after releasing it, Bashar competed in the Icelandic Eurovision National Selections, with “Wild West”, produced by Icelandic artist and collaborator Einar Stefan. His participation sparked international media attention, where he finally landed in second place in Iceland’s Eurovision final. Murad will guest Oslo World during Pride, and we’re looking forward to having him back during this year's festival at Munch! 

In collaboration with Oslo Pride and Queer World.