What the fans say
“What I loved about your fusion was that it felt like a very Egyptian song and yet a very WW1 jazzy song. I could feel both the occupied Egyptian as well as the lousy, disillusioned British soldier. A rare combination of emotions to be done. Only by a person who knows what it means to be "a Western commoner" as well as "an occupied Easterner". I can go on for ages conceptualising your music and your vibe ya Reem. Seriously, all admiration.“
Fouad, 24 Apr 2012
Reem singing “The Preachers' Anthem“ by Sayyid Darwish in concert, The Junction, Cambridge, 1 Mar 2012
“Beyond words. Fantastic.“
William, 23 Mar 2012
Headingley LitFest, Leeds, 23 Mar 2012
“Stunning performance in Headingley last night....transported me back to Palestine...thank you soooo much x“
Lewis, 24 Mar 2012
Headingley LitFest, Leeds, 23 Mar 2012
“Reem Kelani, live, was simply stunning tonight. She sang the poems of poets including Mahmoud Darwish. Powerful, emotional, earthed, fearless and feisty. She had the audience up on its feet - and on stage with her, at the Howard Assembly Rooms. An elder Iraqi man got up on stage with her and sang to us - turns out he had never got up on stage before and the last time he sang was 30 years ago, back in Iraq...all those hidden stories, just waiting to be sung...“
Rommi, 24 Mar 2012
Opera North, Leeds, 23 Mar 2012
“It was a fantastic evening which I couldn't be more pleased with. Reem's performance and insight made a very special and inspiring evening.“
Stewart, 2 Apr 2012
Firth Hall, Sheffield University, 13 Mar 2012
“If you ever get a chance to see Reem Kelani, do so. Still buzzing from 'Songs for the Egyptian Revolution' concert last night.“
James, 14 Mar 2012
Firth Hall, Sheffield University, 13 Mar 2012
“Just back from an amazing performance by Reem Kelani. If that was her with a throat infection I'd hate to see her on form. Inspirational.“
Fay, 13 Mar 2012
Firth Hall, Sheffield University, 13 Mar 2012
“The Palestinian folk singer & musicologist Reem Kelani led a rousing workshop. I've rarely had so much fun with singing in my life.“
Vicky, 11 Mar 2012
Women of Palestine, Manchester, 10 Mar 2012
“Reem: Your workshop was wonderful and your performance breath taking. Everyone in the choir was blown over by it and you are now their role model for stage presence, connection with the audience and giving 120% when you are up there on stage. You have such a gift for connecting with people, sharing stories and cultural bridge building. It was very special to sing with you at the end - like you, this gave me a sense of ;' this is what it's all about' - our connection deepened through music. THe band were excellent - really complimented your beautiful singing and gave added colour and depth. What a talented bunch!
I know you had a tough time in Egypt and must have been exhausted after the workshop and gig here, but I hope it has left you feeling strengthened too about your work. Lots of people have told me how impressed they were by the evening and others were very sorry not to be there. “
Rowena, 8 Mar 2012
The Junction, Cambridge, 1 Mar 2012
“It was a fantastic gig and already likely to be our best of the year. There was a really good atmosphere and a lovely connection between the artist and the audience. I felt ten years younger walking home than I had walking there! Thankyou so much, and we can't wait to see you again.“
John, 2 Mar 2012
The Junction, Cambridge, 1 Mar 2012
“ I was not previously a particular fan of Arabic music and didn't really know what to expect when we had finished our opening set and i took my place in the audience (I was even a little concerned in case I didn't enjoy the whole evening of it!) However from the minute Reem and her wonderful musicians took their place on the stage I was TOTALLY BLOWN AWAY! I've seen many live acts and performed in many myself but Reem is absolutely brilliant! Her charisma, vocal talent, warmth and humour and obvious love and passion for what she does were intoxicating. I was enthralled from beginning to end of her unique set which was in turn moving, dynamic, bittersweet and funny - she 'owned' the stage and it was one of my favourite ever live performances over 30 years of attending gigs!“
Sue, 12 Mar 2012
The Junction, Cambridge, 1 Mar 2012
“Much respect to your magnificent fear shattering voice and all other efforts. I was depressed and low and heard your song, Al Jammal, and realised that if I walk in the streets of Homs- blasting it, people would feel empowered by the mere sound waves emanating from my stereo.
Beautiful.“
Sara, Syria, 30 Jan 2012
Sprinting Gazelle - Palestinian Songs from the Motherland and the Diaspora, February 2006
“This is what I call GREAT radio!“
Gil, Davis, CA, USA, Jan 2012
Songs for Tahrir, BBC Radio 4, January 2012
“My head's been full of Egyptian songs and revolutionary chants this week since hearing Reem Kelani's fabulous Radio 4 documentary on the influence of Sayyid Darwish's 1919 political songs on the music of 2011's revolution, and the similarities and differences in mood between the overthrow of the British occupation back then and that of Mubarak.
After telling everyone I could think of to rush and listen while it's on the iplayer, I've just listened again and made furious notes on the names of singers and activists to look up. This programme seemed to be aimed directly at me“.
Ruth, Cheltenham, 20 Jan 2012
Songs for Tahrir, BBC Radio 4, January 2012
“Songs for Tahrir is the best thing I've heard on radio in yonks. Brilliant work.“
Matthew, UK, Jan 2012
Songs for Tahrir, BBC Radio 4, January 2012
“It's a year since the Arab Spring reached Tahrir square in Cairo (and I blipped some of the books and papers that connect me to Egypt). I've read some pieces written for the anniversary, but nothing I've read so far has the immediacy and sense of hope for the future (even though there is much still to be achieved) of Reem Kelani's programme Songs for Tahrir, recorded when she met Egyptian musicians and political activists in Cairo, and broadcast on Radio 4 on Wednesday. Definitely worth listening to if you have half an hour to spare. As I write this I'm listening to Reem Kelani's CD of Palestinian songs Sprinting Gazelle that I bought several years ago and hadn't listened to for a while, so I was glad of the reminder of that too.“
Chaiselongue, UK, Jan 2012
Songs for Tahrir, BBC Radio 4, January 2012
“A musical theatre course led to a workshop with Palestinian activist/folk-jazz singer Reem Kelani. "She started singing screaming - well, singing powerfully - in my face and I didn't know what to do," recalls Leonie. "But by the end of the play I was dancing around screaming my lungs off. We've been in close contact since. She changed everything for me, that lady.“
Leonie Evans, speaking about a workshop with Reem at the Miskin Theatre, Dartford, June 2005
Extract of interview with Leah Pritchard, Venue Publishing, Bristol, 1 Jan 2012
“Thanks. An awe-inspiring show from Reem.“
Mark, 20 Dec 2011
Sounds of Freedom, The New Red Lion Theatre, London, 16 Dec 2011
“Thank you for your amazing talk at Goldsmiths yesterday. I have learnt so much. You have so much love and strength and that's so inspiring. xxx“
Piala, 26 Oct 2011
Goldsmiths College, London, 25 Oct 2011
“Just a message to say how much I enjoyed the concert last night - and I have a CD to listen too!
Thanks for all you do for getting the message over about the injustice to Palestinians!“
Jeremy, 2 Oct 2011
Tottenham Palestine Literature Festival, London, 1 Oct 2011
“Even more amazing than I remembered!!“
Tina, 24 Sept 2011
Square Chapel, Halifax, 24 Sept 2011
“I cannot explain enough how special tonight was, thanks to you.“.
Fouad, 24 Sept 2011
Square Chapel, Halifax, 24 Sept 2011
“I've been to Reem Kelani's concert in Halifax. She is one of the best Palestinian singers.“.
Wesam, Oct 2011
Square Chapel, Halifax, 24 Sept 2011
“I got introduced to your music from the BBC extra interview, beautiful music and voice, i'll get the album as soon as i can find it, any plans for a concert in Beirut?“ (sic).
Wael, 17 June 2011
BBC World Service (Arabic) X-tra, 10 June 2011
“It was great to have you (on the show), the episode was the most energetic and entertaining so far....keep up the great spirit and the hard work." “
Sami, 11 June 2011
BBC World Service (Arabic) X-tra, 10 June 2011
“Hi i saw you perform at the rich mix and was so incredibly inspired..the palestine cause rang from your heart entwined with the beauty of your composition. I feel it was an honour to have been there. “
Sultana, 9 Sept 2011
Rich Mix, Bethnal Green, London, 4 June 2011
“Just to say thanks for a great evening - a rich, stunning and magical performance by Reem that never faltered, with echoes of Janis Joplin, Marlene Dietrich, Um Khaltoum and 'Cabaret', but creating a unique and original sound. The teamwork was fantastic. The merging of Arabic music and jazz, with strains from so many other sources (even the Indian thuck-a-thuck,thuck..) was seamless.
The opening number was a shock, a superb evocation of a decadent Egyptian nightclub of the 1920s, with a seamless and beautiful jazz accompaniment that continued throughout the evening - what virtuoso displays of superb musicianship orchestrated by Reem. You kept us guessing and enraptured as to what would happen next with your incredible voice - and we were never disappointed. To carry through such strong emotion and passion, with a strong political content but with such evident love and warmth for the characters from whom the music was derived was thrilling to experience.
What a pity this was not filmed, but please make sure the next concerts are to preserve them for posterity. “
Rosamine & Abe, 6 June 2011
Rich Mix, Bethnal Green, London, 4 June 2011
“We loved your performance at Rich Mix last night. You were great - keep it up. I liked your introduction to each piece and admired the research you have done in Arabic music. We are looking forward to your next album. Shukraan. “
Saleh, 5 June 2011
Rich Mix, Bethnal Green, London, 4 June 2011
“Could not have had a better introduction to Arabic music“
Clarisa, June 2011
Rich Mix, Bethnal Green, London, 4 June 2011
“Blown away by performance of Reem Kelani at the Amnesty birthday party today.“
Tracy, May 2011
Amnesty International's 50th anniversary, St Martin in the Fields, Trafalgar Square, London, 28 May 2011
“A beam of light shines down
straight on everyone's head;
A gold "Ah" is then sung out,
one after another, circling us as we sit.
Circling up and weaving with beams of light
from a fine net wrapping us in, where
the air vibrates and our soul resonates.
Me disappeared into sacred wholeness.
Naughty sand whirls in the wind,
as Reem's voice penetrates in.
I really want to dance. And I do dance,
my body remaining where it is.“ (sic)
QIU Yun, May 2011
The Conservatory of Music, Shanghai, 23 May 2011
“I have just watched you perform with Catriona Watt on BBC Alba, completely blown away by it, absolutely mesmerizing. Thank you.“
Joanne, Mar 2011
A’ Gharaids, BBC Alba, 12 Mar 2011
“It was a wonderful workshop, i really appreciated Reem's power, integrity and generosity.“
Alinah, Oct 2010
Access to Music, Brighton, 11 Oct 2010
“I saw you perform at SOAS in London - and felt like I was witnessing a Janis Joplin in natural grace and utter passion on stage, but ah the beauty of the songs that came, the beauty of palestine, and some damn trippy jazzy musicians as well.......I still get chills when I listen to your song "il-Hamdillah" and use it often to inspire me.“
Tanya, May 2011
Brunei gallery, SOAS, London, 7 Oct 2010
“I was so touched by your performance, it just made me feel that everything is possible, achievable. I can tell it's been the first time I feel so touched by an artist. I thank you so much for giving us this beautiful energy, full of positivity and courage, but also joy and happiness.“
Zaira, Oct 2010
Brunei gallery, SOAS, London, 7 Oct 2010
“Thanks for yesterday's wonderful performance. Truly uplifting.“
Najm, Oct 2010
Brunei gallery, SOAS, London, 7 Oct 2010
“That was a wonderful gig at St. Eths on saturday night. I'd forgotten what a profoundly political act making something beautiful can be. Like Coltrane's Alabama.“
Ted, Dec 2009
St Ethelburga's, 78 Bishopsgate, London, 12 Dec 2009
“I was fortunate to be in the audience at the Tabernacle last night. Thank you - what a thoroughly brilliant evening and a great privilege to share that superb performance.“
Richard, Dec 2009
From Palestine to Portugal, the Tabernacle, London, 7 Dec 2009
“Goose bumps on my skin! What a great performance.“
June, Dec 2009
From Palestine to Portugal, the Tabernacle, London, 7 Dec 2009
“The beautiful energy that we need today, when it looks fusion from the outside but with the real traditional attitude from the inside.“
Tarek Malki, Sept 2011
Turkcell Kuruçesme Arena, Istanbul, 30 June 2009
“I was there and it was 1 of the most wonderful shows i have ever seen.Thanx. one love!“
Birak Daginik Kalsin, Sept 2011
Turkcell Kuruçesme Arena, Istanbul, 30 June 2009
“I saw her last night and thought she was so charismatic, big-hearted, talented and enthralling. So did the rest of my friends. Wonderful. Really.“
Giovanna, Sept 2008
Barbican / LSO St Lukes, London, 25 Sept 2008
“Fascinating and moving performance.“
Sheila, Sept 2008
Barbican / LSO St Lukes, London, 25 Sept 2008
“The performance was fantastic and I just wanted to hear more of her music.“
Amrita, Aug 2008
1958 Remembered, Inn on the Green, London, 31 July 2008
“I had the honour one year of playing Didgeridoo on stage with Reem at Drumcamp.
What a truly magnificent Lady she is.. Love her to bits !“
Gary, Songsticks, Oct 2011
Drum Camp, Suffolk, 10 - 13 July 2008
“You've helped free my soul since 2005! Thank you.“
Karen, July 2008
Drum Camp, Suffolk, 10 - 13 July 2008
“A perfect introduction to the joy of singing.“
Carinya, July 2008
Drum Camp, Suffolk, 10 - 13 July 2008
“You must forever consider me a walking talking breathing babbling effusive reference under any circumstances whatsoever!“
Brian, Festival director, July 2008
International Children's Festival, Seattle, 10 - 17 May 2008
“To a new venue on Brick Lane last night to see the wonderful Palestinian singer, music scholar and teacher Reem Kelani. In an intimate setting and with a sympathetic band, it was one of the most enjoyable concerts I can remember, and one of those that opens up new musical horizons. “
Henry, April 2008
Vibe Bar, Brick Lane, London, 10 April 2008
“ I have no first hand experience of Palestine, though your songs, stories and presence made me feel that I was suddenly intimately acquainted with a country I know little about. It was as though you sang a physical and emotional landscape, made a situation that one is used viewing in the two dimensions of world news, blossom into a gloriously tangible third dimension.“
Tony, April 2008
Vibe Bar, Brick Lane, London, 10 April 2008
“I heard Il-Hamdillah on Live 365 Radio - it sent shivers up my spine.“
Rich, Jan 2008
Live365 Radio, Internet Radio, Jan 2008
“I wanted to write to say how much I enjoyed your concert last week at SOAS (and am still enjoying your CD). It was one of the best concerts I have been to in a long time. Thank you! “
Abigail, Jan 2007
Brunei gallery, SOAS, London, 10 Jan 2007
“Fantastic performance tonight at the Junction!
It was brill!
Hope to see you soon, both in another workshop and performing live on stage.“
Melasman-Dan, Nov 2006
The Junction, Cambridge, 1 Nov 2006
“I was one of the thousand men in tears after your festival-stopping performance at Whitby Musicport last year.“
David, Aug 2007
Musicport Festival, Whitby, 22 Oct 2006
“I saw you at the Whitby Music Port festival in October and i just wanted to say that you were amazing! Your songs were so moving and it's fantastic that you have information about each song in the album sleeve. I can't stop listening to Sprinting Gazelle. “
Soraya, Nov 2006
Musicport Festival, Whitby, 22 Oct 2006
Highlights of Whitby: “You are absolutely right about Reem Kelani. She was jaw droppingly good. “
Trilby, Oct 2006
Musicport Festival, Whitby, 22 Oct 2006
“Just heard Ms Reem's interview through Radio Monte Carlo and was ashamed of not hearing her years ago.
An energetic voice, vivacious, original and dramatic vocals. I wish you the best and I am proud of you. “
Jamil, Aug 2006
Radio Monte Carlo, 3 Aug 2006
“Reem's Magical Voice
And as the voice bursts from her
Propelled on a fist of spirit unseen
Her heart punches into mine, consumed
And as the song grows, flows, rips through me
Whips my soul into light, shines into my darkness
The fragile, cracked, destroyed thing I once had in me
Became strong like ox heart, thick, a song to live by once more
And still you sang, your heart wringing love out of your sorrow
Transforming your history of pain, years of hate poured into you in to
Life, love, Hope, above all things, Knowledge of end in sight for suffering
Never ending light and love the only constant truth in your sights
That’s what you gave me oh blessed woman of song
That’s what I knew of your gifts for the world one South Bank afternoon in June.
Your voice nourished me, fed me, loved me completely as universal love
Stayed alive in my heart all the way through the day and into that night so long
Alive, not a dried flower of summer preserved, it refused to shatter and crumble to dust,
Your suffering made whole love, full fat joy, bathed my damaged, brutalised soul
You pulled a river from my dry eyes, a thousand thousand tears of sorrow
Melted into a river of spirit to wash my feet clean once more.”
ÓEliza Johnston 2006 copyright
Celebrating Sanctuary, Southbank, London, 18 June 2006
“I've now seen Reem Kelani perform 4 times now...and at each gig she actively involved and engaged the audience. She's a passionate live performer! It's pretty hard not to fall in love with her...she's witty, charismatic and has a wonderful ability to move you with her emotive and intense vocals. “
Foxylady, June 2006
Celebrating Sanctuary, Southbank, London, 18 June 2006
“Reem Kelani has an intense voice. Her self produced album is a marvel. She's collected traditional Palestinian folk songs & performs them with fiery intensity & aching mournfulness. Not easy listening but very rewarding.“
Ben, Mar 2010
Sprinting Gazelle - Palestinian Songs from the Motherland and the Diaspora, February 2006
“I played your CD and the heat of Palestine came into the house. Perhaps this was a message about accepting what is meant to be. I find many singers have rich voices but my favourite singers are Maria Callas, for the colour, intesity and passion in her voice, and likewise Fairouz. I find your singing matches both these artists. “
Philip, Mar 2006
Sprinting Gazelle - Palestinian Songs from the Motherland and the Diaspora, February 2006
“The bleak grey Glasgow day was transformed this morning when I heard you singing on Women's Hour - it was beautiful and wonderfully energising. “
Jenny, Feb 2006
Woman's Hour, BBC Radio 4, 16 Feb 2006
“I heard your voice a few days ago on the BBC. It's just wonderful, your music is perfect in my soul. I am 23 years old and live in Romania, “
Marius, Feb 2006
Woman's Hour, BBC Radio 4, 16 Feb 2006
“Heard you for 1st time on Radio 4 this morning..... 'Yafa' struck me deep in my soul. Your voice and the song moved me deeply and in a way that no music has before. Thank you so much.“
Hugh, Feb 2006
Woman's Hour, BBC Radio 4, 16 Feb 2006
“I was so pleased to hear you this morning on Woman's Hour. Only yesterday I had ordered your new CD via the Exeter Palestine Solidarity Campaign. I had the opportunity to take part in your music workshop at Exeter a little while ago. As someone who doesn't think she can sing, it was exhilarating to find myself so uplifted by the whole experience. “
Hazel, Feb 2006
Exeter, Nov 2005
“I was in your workshop at Doris and I want to tell you what an inspiring, energetic, passionate and ballsy woman you are.“
Jo, Sept 2006
Tribe of Doris, Blackdown Hills, Devon-Somerset border, 24 - 29 Aug 2005
“All I can say is that you are the most inspiring person I've ever met, so thankyou..“
Leonie, Sept 2006
North West Kent College, Dartford, Kent, 3 June 2005
“I was in the band for "Iman" at the Miskin theatre (I played guitar). I wanted to say hi and thankyou for
the unforgettable lessons you taught me.“
Andy, Sept 2006
North West Kent College, Dartford, Kent, 3 June 2005
“I have been to literally hundreds of concerts, but this is my very first e-mail. I am 46 1/4. But seriously, I was blown away by your voice. You are truly a force of nature.“
Alan, July 2006
Visions of Palestine, Royal Geographical Society, London, 6 July 2004
“I was fortunate to hear Reem perform and attend one of her workshops. She has a wonderful presence and a powerful voice, sung from the heart which cannot fail to bring tears. The universal music of humanity. “
Natasha, July 2004
Bristol, June 2004
“I had the privilege to work with Reem and my class of year 5 children over the last 12 months. She was truly inspirational to both the children and myself. Her voice is stunning and her enthusiasm is contagious. The children and I both loved her and the experience.“
David, July 2004
Multi-Cultural World Music Project in Norfolk schools, September 2003 - April 2004
“Thanks for such a wonderful lunchtime programme. 'Distant Chords' has been a very moving musical journey. As a Jewish musician working in the west of England, I have felt a sense of connection with these other diasporic traditions. …
Jon, Mar 2003
Distant Chords, BBC Radio 4, 2001 - 2003
“I was impressed by Reem Kelani's genuine understanding, her empathetic approach and her bold confidence in speaking of the Armenian genocide frankly and appropriately.…
Maral, Feb 2003
Distant Chords, BBC Radio 4, 2001 - 2003
“I found this programme very moving and beautiful. Reem Kelani provides insights and associations which strike a chord for anyone living in exile, and I'm sure is equally evocative to native listeners. …
Hanna, Feb 2003
Distant Chords, BBC Radio 4, 2001 - 2003
“Reem has a superb way of interacting with people, and the enthusiasm and directness of the people on the programme was just superb... You cannot appreciate how important these programmes are in the current climate of anxiety… These programmes are essential to strengthen the bridge of humanity that exists between various communities in the UK.“
Omer, Feb 2003
Distant Chords, BBC Radio 4, 2001 - 2003
“I still remember your wonderful night in Nazareth. I still remember you talking about "'Ala Dal'oona", and I loved your voice but also your presence. It was very powerful and proud.…“
Areen, Dec 2006
Tour of Palestine, March - April 1993