In a recent Hard Knock Radio conversation, host Davey D spoke with Suhel Nafar, a pioneering figure in Arab hip-hop, the co-founder of a group called DAM and current head of West Asia, North Africa, and the diaspora at Empire Records. He was instrumental in building and launching Spotify in West Asia and North Africa, including an initiative of international curation for major cultures worldwide. Nafar also built Spotify’s Arab Culture Hub and its international programming strategy, curating over 120 playlists, including flagship playlists such as Yalla, Arab X, Arab Vibes Shisha Lounge, Habibi Gang Gang and Global X.
They discussed Suhel’s extensive work with Palestinian and Arab artists and highlighted the upcoming November 2 screening of *Slingshot Hip Hop* at the Arab Film Festival. This 2008 film, featuring Palestinian artists and the evolution of Arab hip-hop, will be screened at the New Parkway Theater in Oakland. It captures the resilience and creativity of Palestinian youth using hip-hop to navigate the challenges of life under occupation.
Suhel emphasized the significance of hip-hop as a documentary tool that both documents daily life and provides an outlet for expression under oppression. He reflected on his own journey, his work in globalizing Arab music, and his role in supporting emerging artists like MC Abdul, a young 16 year old rapper from Gaza whose music portrays the stark realities of life there. He also spoke about the “SVNBirds Crew” from Sudan, who are creating new sounds blending hip-hop with traditional Sudanese elements.
The discussion covered the challenges of censorship, especially for Palestinian voices, and the transformative role of hip-hop as a powerful medium for self-expression and unity. Suhel’s dedication is rooted in both supporting these voices and bridging the gap for artists facing political and social limitations. The interview underscored hip-hop’s universal influence, resilience, and capacity to amplify underrepresented stories in challenging environments.
The interview concluded with Suhel highlighting a number of key artists artists most notably women artists who currently make up 40% of new releases. Among the artists he encouraged everyone to check out including: Leil and Nai Bourghati. He also talked about a compilation album of all women due out in the early part of February 2025. The album will feature a woman artist from one country being produced by a woman artist of another country. It looks to be ground breaking.
What a great and moving conversation!