Queen of the Palestinian techno scene

DJ Sama' Abdulhadi: Queen of the Palestinian techno scene

Explore the fascinating world of DJ Sama' Abdulhadi and her impactful journey through music.

Known as the “queen of the Palestinian techno scene”, Sama' Abdulhadi was becoming internationally recognised as a powerful force in dance music until a gig in Palestine late last year went terribly wrong, threatening not only her career, but her safety and freedom. An artist as determined as she is talented, Sama' is fighting for her work to be heard, and for the world to connect with her and her fellow Palestinians. Sirin Kale discovers how Sama' was saved by techno, and how she’s rebuilding her life, and her scene, after a tumultuous time.

About DJ Sama' Abdulhadi

Abdulhadi's journey into music began with her interest in sound design, which she studied in Beirut. There, she encountered techno music, leading her to move to Cairo to work as a sound engineer while also starting her DJ career. Her return to Ramallah in 2018 was a significant turning point; her performance for Boiler Room went viral, garnering over 11 million views. This performance not only showcased her talent but also put Ramallah on the global techno map.

Sama' has faced numerous challenges in her career, navigating through the complexities of the music industry while also confronting the harsh realities of life as a Palestinian. In an interview, she emphasized, "'As a Palestinian, you know life could be over in 10 minutes'.

Abdulhadi's story is not just about her music; it's about resilience, passion, and the power of art to transcend boundaries and challenges. Her work as a DJ and producer, her efforts in community building, and her ability to navigate and overcome obstacles make her a remarkable figure in the world of electronic music."

When Sama' Abdulhadi was 13, the Israel Defense Forces came to her apartment block in Ramallah, the occupied West Bank, and took over the building. This was during the Second Intifada, the Palestinian uprising against Israel that ran from 2000 to 2005.

The army locked Sama' and her family on the roof. To make things seem normal, her parents pretended it was a game, although the pretence was hard to maintain when the IDF bombed their neighbour’s house to the ground. They had no food, no electricity, no toilet.

“Thank God it was winter,” says Sama', “because we collected rainwater in buckets, and boiled it.” After three days, the army let her family back in their apartment. It was trashed. There was no food in the fridge. Everything was vandalised.

“It’s these disturbing things that turn you into this really angry child that is mad at the occupation,” says Sama', “at the world, at Arabs, at everybody, at everything, you know; at yourself, at your parents and your people. You’re just angry all the time.” She pauses.

“And that’s when techno saved me,” she says, “because I was an angry person, it kind of disconnected me from reality and took me to this dome I didn’t exist in, this world... and it was like, ‘Wow, okay, I didn’t think of that’. It became this healthy ritual for me that, whenever I was angry, I just danced to techno, because it let it all out.”

We are speaking via Zoom, Sama' in Ramallah, ourselves in London. The connection is bad, but we muddle through. “We have the worst internet in the world here,” Sama' explains. She is sitting at a cafe table in a quiet square. Periodically, she stops to light a cigarette, or take a pull on a mint tea. In person, Sama' is relaxed, chatty and sincere. Talking with her feels like hanging out with our coolest friend.

Professionalism and Musical Expertise

Sama' Abdulhadi exemplifies professionalism and musical expertise. Her DJ sets showcase a deep understanding of electronic music, crafting sonic experiences that resonate with audiences worldwide.

Sama' Abdulhadi's love for techno music stems from its ability to transcend boundaries and speak to people's emotions. Her performances are an immersive experience, taking the audience on a journey through pulsating beats and sonic landscapes.

Tomorrowland Performance

Sama' Abdulhadi made history with her performance at Tomorrowland, one of the world's premier electronic music festivals. Her captivating set demonstrated her skillful mixing and unique sound that transcends cultural boundaries.

“I just want to be a DJ, I never wanted to speak about politics... but I guess I also understand it: I’m the only one from Palestine. I’m the only person who can talk about it. So I might as well do it, because it’s needed.”

A Proud Palestinian

Stay updated with DJ Sama' Abdulhadi's latest releases, events, and thoughts through her social media:

Instagram: @samaabdulhadi