Bashar Murad has always been hesitant to claim the label “pop singer.” He feels it can distract from the political overtones present in his music, which are always a driving force behind his creativity; still, pop music has the power to embed discussions of contemporary issues into uplifting beats. “I don't want to be an educator or a professor preaching to people,” he tells Teen Vogue, “but [I want] to talk about different things in subtle ways through my music.”

Bashar Murad's danceable riffs and live concerts and videos - filled with bubbles, enormous hats, and layers and layers of veils - have earned him the nickname "Palestinian Lady Gaga" from his fans. And much like Born This Way is an anthem of equality, Murad's songs challenge conservative social norms and push for LGBTQ rights while also challenging the Israeli occupation of the West Bank.

Over a video call from his neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah, Bashar Murad sums up the journey so far as a pop musician. “When you’re a Palestinian artist, everyone has something to say. And I think that’s a good thing,” he says.

In July of 2018, Palestinian pop artist, Bashar Murad, was riding high off the release of his surprise hit ‘Shillet Hamal’, which showcased his upbeat personality, flamboyant fashion sense, and keen ear towards chart-focused choruses. Since then, however, he has since maintained a fairly low profile. That is, until the release of his latest single 'Maskhara', which was quietly released at the end of 2020, and has steadily racked up nearly 16,000 views at the time publishing...

Growing up in East Jerusalem, Bashar Murad turned to music for comfort in a life blighted by fractious political realities and the emotional pressures of being a gay man battling the conservative elements of his society. It also became a way of transcending the borders imposed on his life by the Israeli occupation; a medium to connect with the world outside. He started with covers of western pop before releasing his own songs, some in Arabic and some in English – invariably with catchy hooks, bold, self-produced videos, and satirical lyrics addressing freedom of expression.

Whether he's performing in a wedding dress or singing about LGBT issues, Palestinian musician Bashar Murad is used to taking risks.

As an Arab living in Jerusalem, he says he's constantly challenging many of the conservative elements of his society.

"I try to be respectful to people - but also try not to."

His collaboration with Hatari, the controversial Icelandic band that caused an uproar at Eurovision, brought him international attention. Now, Palestinian singer Bashar Murad wants you to listen to his voice and music

Anti-capitalist anarcho-technoclash BDSM enfants terribles Hatari were apparently up to a lot more than Eurovision while in Israel.

A new single and video called Klefi/Samed (صامد) has just been released, featuring both Hatari and queer Palestinian musician Bashar Murad. Living in East Jerusalem, Murad has been generating considerable international attention for his hard-hitting lyrical content, touching on topics such as gender expression, politics, and the liberation of Palestine.

Few Icelanders had any knowledge of musician Bashar Murad until May, when anti-capitalist BDSM techno lads Hatari dropped a post-Eurovision video—shot in Palestine during the Israel-hosted competition—for a new song called “Klefi/Samed.” Co-written with Bashar, the single spotlights his powerful, haunting vocals, with lyrics that are a defiant cry for freedom (“samed” means “steadfast”).

Palestinian musician Bashar Murad makes music to address the gender inequities and homophobia he and others face at home but also to give the rest of the world a better understanding of musicians living in the Palestinian Territories.