Singer Reem Kelani at Hope for the Holy Land

Reem Kelani

The vibrant young Palestinian singer, Reem Kelani wlll be performing at the Hope for the Holy Land festival in Holy Apostles Parish Hall, Cumberland St, Pimlico on Sunday, 29 November.

An award-winning singer, writer and broadcaster, Reem wrote and presented ‘Distant Chords’ for BBC Radio Four, other programmes include presenting ‘A Day in the Life of a Palestinian Woman’, ‘In Praise of God’ for BBC World Service and 'Salome: Dance of the Seven Veils' on BBC Radio 4.

Reem often sings traditional songs or songs based on the poetry of well-known Palestinian poets. Her debut CD was: 'Sprinting Gazelle – Palestinian Songs from the Motherland and the Diaspora' (Fuse Records) has received excellent reviews.

Describing her voice, critic David Honigmann from The Financial Times, said: “When she told me earlier that she did not see any difference between jazz and Arabic music, it sounded a stretch; here, for a moment, the two spin together so fast they sound like one.”

James Griffiths, from The Guardian said: "Kelani's voice is a technical marvel, capable of transforming deeply felt emotion into a range of pulverising hollers and keening wails."

Norwegian writer Øyvind Strømmen, said: "The most incredible vocalist this reviewer has ever come across. The small Kelani overwhelmed the whole concert hall with her powerful voice and her tremendous charisma."

Hope for the Holy Land: Celebrating Palestinian Christianity, takes place on 28-29 November at Holy Apostles Parish Hall, Cumberland St, SW1V 4LY. There will be films, speakers, music, exhibitions, stalls and a cafe. For more information see: www.h4hl.org