Saint Levant is a Palestinian/French/Algerian/Serbian artist based in California.
Born in Jerusalem and raised in Gaza, his name symbolizes a reclamation of the orientalist fantasies that the Levant has historically been a victim of. Combining French, Arabic and English into his records, his genre-bending style draws inspiration from the likes of Edward Said to create a nostalgic yet futuristic sound that continues to inspire his growing fanbase.
Please tell us about your musical journey.
I grew up listening to my father's immaculate taste - mainly Lenny Kravitz, Wyclef Jean and Michael Jackson. I've been making music since high school, but really started to take it seriously this year.
Who inspired you to be a rapper?
I wouldn't say it was one person in specific, but Belly has always been a huge inspiration. Seeing a Palestinian in the same circles as The Weeknd shows me that it is possible.
How do you intend to impact society through your music?
I don't intend to make a political impact through my music, but rather create a space for people who talk and feel like me to be comfortable in. Being a mixed Palestinian kid, representation was always something I struggled with. I hope I can be a source of inspiration for people who feel they don't fit in.
Being a mixed Palestinian kid, representation was always something I struggled with. I hope I can be a source of inspiration for people who feel they don't fit in.
Is there anything you would change in your local music scene?
I don't really feel like I have a local music scene. I'm in between two worlds (the Middle East and The West) and two scenes, trying to converge them to make something special.
5 minutes with your musical idol, how would that go?
I would just ask a lot of questions and try to learn as much as possible. Probably a picture as well.
Do you consider yourself a purist in terms of music?
No. If it sounds good, it's good. Music purists are just gatekeepers and old-heads.
Please tell us about your latest single 'Angels' How did it come about?
My producer and I made an RnB beat (because I've been listening to a lot of it recently) and I decided to make a song dedicated to my angels.
Do you consider yourself a fashionista?
Not really. Almost all my clothes are 'thrifted' from the Jordanian flea market.
Follow Saint Levant:
ROOTS is musivv's segment featuring musical artists of Middle-Eastern descent residing in the UAE, Middle-East and around the world. Features under this segment are eligible for a nomination under this category on The musivv Awards (TMAs) annual recognition.
