We Are From Here

IHNAMINHON: Naser Ajloni, Fader Gaber, Mustafa "Muzi" Gaber (from left)

I interviewed Ihnaminhon, a Palestinian hip-hop group on February 6. They shared their story and strife with the Israeli Settlers; but in the end are using the mic to spread a message of peace. We walked through their turf in Muslim Corner of the Old City in East Jerusalem (Palestine). The limestone streets were dark and we made our way by cell phone light. It was intense and unpredictable.

Walking in the Muslim Quarter, before the lights went out

Ihnaminhon means "we are from here" and they sing it loud and clear! They performed an impromptu rendition of "Abut Elshekh Jraah," one of their songs about the Israeli occupation of Palestine.

I am working on writing a bigger story on underground music in the Arab-Israeli world. Muzi and Naser have become staple characters in my work here. More to come...