Dam

Dam, also known in Arabic as دام and described as “Da Arabian MC’s,” is a Palestinian rap group from Lod, a mixed Arab and Jewish town near Jerusalem. It forms around Tamer Nafar, his younger brother Suhell Nafar, and Mahmoud Jreri. Mayasa Daw joins the group in 2015.

Formation and background

The group begins in 1999, after Tamer Nafar has been performing rap since 1998 with Suhell and Mahmoud Jreri, who first contacts Tamer while writing his own lyrics. All three original members are born and raised in the slums of Lod. Dam is described as the first and leading Palestinian rap group.

Music and themes

Dam’s music combines Arabic percussion rhythms, Middle Eastern melodies and urban hip hop. Its lyrics draw on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the Palestinian struggle for freedom and equality, and also address terrorism, drugs and women’s rights. The group cites both hip hop and Arabic music among its influences, including Nas, 2Pac, Mos Def, IAM, NTM, Saian Supa Crew, MBS, Marcel Khalifa, Kazem Saher, George Wassouf and Majda al Romi.

Releases and recognition

The group’s debut album, Stop Selling Drugs, appears locally in 1998. Its second album, Min Irhabi (“who’s the terrorist?”), follows in 2001. The title track spreads widely online, is downloaded more than a million times within a month, is distributed free with Rolling Stone magazine in France, and becomes a street anthem. The song also appears on a French compilation alongside Manu Chao, Zebda and Noir Désir, and its lyrics are taught at some universities and used in pro-Palestinian demonstrations.

Film and live appearances

Dam appears in a number of films and documentaries, including Local Angel (2002), Forgiveness, Slingshot Hip Hop and Channel of Rage. The group also features on the soundtrack of Ford Transit and takes part in a photo project by Magnum/National Geographic photographer David Alan Harvey. It performs live in Europe and the USA.

Creative process

The group writes and arranges its songs collectively, with production handled by the members and other producers.