Gazan Musicians Dream of Rebirth Amid War's Devastation

Raouf Belbeisi's dream of a cultural hub in Gaza was shattered by war. Displaced musicians, including rapper Ahmed Shamaly and manager Adam Ghanim, are now in Cairo, determined to rebuild their lives and careers. The Deira event in Cairo highlights their resilience and the support they need.

Palestinian musician Raouf Belbeisi's long-held dream of creating a vibrant cultural hub in the Gaza Strip was left in ruins just five months after he opened his cafe in Gaza City, as the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas shattered his plans.

Now, the 28-year-old Oud player is among several Gazan musicians who have crossed into neighboring Egypt looking to rebuild their lives and careers. Belbeisi, speaking at a community event for displaced musicians in Cairo titled Deira, recounted his harrowing journey of displacement and his unwavering hope to reunite with his family still trapped in Gaza.

Ahmed Shamaly, 22, another displaced musician, performed live tracks for the first time at the Deira event, showing the resilience of Gaza's artists. Despite having lost everything, Shamaly and his 20-year-old music manager Adam Ghanim are determined to create Gaza's first music label, even as they now operate from Cairo.