Saint Levant, whose real name is Marwan Abdelhamid, has captivated audiences with his unique blend of personal nostalgia and artistic charisma. His musical journey began in the alleys of Gaza and has taken him to global stages like The Olympia in Paris and Coachella. Born into a multicultural family, Saint Levant's identity fuses Arabic, English, and French influences, shaping his distinctive sound. He draws inspiration from both Western and Arab artists, creating a fusion of funk, traditional Eastern rhythms, and trilingual lyrics. His latest album, "Love Letters," showcases his versatility, offering love letters to various cultures and causes.
The Fusion of Personal History and Artistic Persona
Saint Levant's music is deeply rooted in his personal history, reflecting a seamless blend of intimate memories and stage presence. Growing up in Gaza, he was influenced by his father's love for music, which introduced him to global stars like Lenny Kravitz and Michael Jackson. This early exposure laid the foundation for his eclectic style. Transitioning between his authentic self and his artistic persona, Saint Levant effortlessly merges nostalgia with defiance. His first professional track, "Jerusalem Freestyle," marked a significant moment when he embraced his real name on Spotify. This duality defines his presence, allowing him to connect with audiences on both an emotional and performative level.
In-depth exploration reveals how Saint Levant's personal experiences have shaped his artistry. Recalling road trips with his father, who filled the car with melodies from around the world, Saint Levant found inspiration in these moments. His connection to his Palestinian roots remains strong, especially through songs that pay homage to his homeland. For instance, "Daloona" brings together seven Palestinian artists, serving as a love letter to Palestine. This interplay between personal memory and artistic expression allows Saint Levant to create music that resonates with listeners on multiple levels. Whether performing on international stages or singing about Gaza's landmarks, he maintains a profound bond with his origins, infusing his work with authenticity and emotion.
A Multicultural Musical Identity
Saint Levant's multicultural background significantly influences his musical identity. Born to a Palestinian-Serbian father and a Palestinian-Algerian mother, he grew up immersed in diverse cultural traditions. This rich heritage enables him to seamlessly integrate different languages and musical styles into his work. Singing in English, French, and Arabic within a single song, he creates a globally intertwined essence. His ability to switch between languages not only reflects his upbringing but also caters to a broader audience. This fluidity sets him apart in the Arabic music scene, where he stands out as a rising star.
Digging deeper into his musical evolution, it becomes evident that Saint Levant's trilingual approach emerged naturally. Initially mixing all three languages in one sentence, he later refined his technique to make his music more accessible. Each chorus now alternates between English, Arabic, and French, creating a harmonious balance. Beyond language, his genre-defying music blends 1980s funk with traditional Palestinian and Algerian sounds. Describing his work as part of a "New Wave Arab" movement, Saint Levant transcends conventional classifications. Collaborations with prominent artists further enhance this fusion, as seen in his album "Deira," which features tracks like "Let Her Go" with Cheb Bilal and "Allah Yihmeeki" with Kehlani. These collaborations highlight his commitment to expanding the impact of his music while celebrating his multicultural roots.