47Soul
Scala, London
★★★★★

“CAN you dance while you shoot?” asked Israeli dance music icon Noga Erez back in 2017. Erez - who, like nearly all Israelis, served three years in the occupation forces - appeared to be asking her listeners whether it is ethical - or even possible - to enjoy yourself whilst enforcing a violent occupation. Ample social media posts from IDF soldiers since then have answered the question in the affirmative, and Erez no longer seems to bother herself with such questions.

The question for Palestinians, especially of the diaspora, and their supporters is rather different: can you dance whilst your nation is being exterminated?

Indefatigable Gazan doctor Dr Ghassan Abu Sittah, who introduces tonight’s show (a benefit gig for his Children’s Fund) tells us clearly: “It is part of our resistance to genocidal erasure that we keep singing, keep dancing, and keep talking about tomorrow - because tomorrow belongs to us.”

47Soul launched their Shamstep sound 10 years ago, fusing the hard beats and basslines of contemporary black urban music with Palestinian vocal melodies and instrumentation. The result was an electrifying take on Arabic music for the clubbing generation(s). Appearing tonight as a trio they bring a powerful celebration of Palestinian culture which manages to evoke defiance, sorrow, optimism, mystery and hope, often simultaneously.

Each player brings an essential element to the sound: percussionist Tareq symbolises the Shamstep fusion, switching between traditional derbuka drum and the “octopad,” used to trigger a variety of heavy electronic drum sounds; Hamza’s electric guitar adds a hint of rock to the proceedings; and Ramzy’s synth emulates traditional pipes like the mijwiz.

Their three voices combine to produce an impressive power and depth. Tareq does most of the raps — imagine an Arab Chuck D with the larynx of Tom Waits — Hamza adds harmony, and Ramzy’s silky tones delightfully contrast Tareq’s rawer, grittier delivery.

The resulting sound is epic and life-affirming, fittingly representative of a people whose commitment to struggle has seen them sacrifice so much. Nevertheless, their latest work, such as new single Ya Kho, is necessarily more mournful given the escalating horrors of the past year and a half. A slow and reflective piece, Ya Kho reminds us of the conversations Palestinians are having with those in Gaza - “I hope you ate and I hope you woke up” - as well as the delegimitisation of those voices:  “Let 'em debate if we even have a say/ I’m doubting it.”

In my mind I imagine a bomb dropping on the venue, the screaming, panic and body parts, the blood gushing out of fingers clutching at faces — the scenes, in other words, being lived out at this very moment — and I remind myself never to forget the daily reality of what Starmer, Trump and Netanyahu are doing to Gaza. But 47Soul also remind us that, despite all this, we must never let Palestinians be defined primarily by their victimhood, but by their sumud, their steadfastness and commitment to living, free and in dignity, whatever the cost.

The resistance operates on many levels, the cultural front no less important than any other — and 47Soul are playing their part superbly, showing the world that Palestinians are not just numbers, not just victims, not even just freedom fighters — but a vibrant and defiant people with soul, culture and artistic depth to be appreciated and valued.

For more information see: 47soul.com