Introduction and Background on Sama Abdulhadi
Against all odds, the much-anticipated performance of Palestinian DJ and producer Sama Abdulhadi took place at the 53rd International Cervantino Festival (FIC). On October 17, Los Pastitos transformed into a powerful sound journey and a hub for cultural activism, marking an unprecedented milestone for the local scene.
Known as the first internationally recognized Palestinian DJ, Sama has become one of the most influential figures in contemporary electronic music. Despite a relatively short career, her growth has been rapid and sustained, overcoming the challenges of being a female DJ in Palestine – her birthplace and a land she is deeply proud of.
Improvisation, Identity, and Representation
During her set, the “queen of Palestinian techno scene” delivered a fully improvised session with no predefined structure, guided only by the energy of the moment and direct connection with an enthusiastic audience. Her energetic style blended with rhythms from her region of origin, igniting a wave of dance and unity.
In a brief statement to El Economista, Sama reflected on her identity and mission: “I never tried to create an identity; I just lived life, but as you grow, you realize your identity is shaped by your surroundings and experiences. It starts to move until you form who you are. I truly appreciate the privilege of being able to travel, learn, meet people, and that has made me a definitively different person… I keep trying to represent my people correctly, because it’s really difficult, but you have to remember where you come from, who you are, and why you’re here and why you exist.”
Los Pastitos: A Collective Catharsis Stage
The concert transcended the musical aspect, becoming a collective catharsis platform to express “anger over genocide” and support for Palestine.
As Sama took the stage, she was greeted by hundreds of young fans carrying small Palestinian flags and the iconic Sandía with the message “Freedom.” Attendees also unfurled a large Palestinian flag covering most of Los Pastitos’ expanse.
As the music enveloped the space, the audience chanted “Palestina libre.” Sama expressed gratitude with hand gestures and words, saying “amazing” and “thank you,” directed at the audience. The concert ended at midnight, leaving highly favorable comments about the event, described by one attendee as “unprecedented” in Guanajuato.
A Career Marked by Activism
Sama Abdulhadi, 35, was born in Jordan, Palestine. Though her beginnings were in hip-hop, a set by Japanese DJ Satoshi Tomiie introduced her to electronic music. Her training was completed in London, and her global projection solidified after her iconic Boiler Room Palestine set.
Her cultural and political activism has been shaped by life experiences. In 2020, after obtaining permission to perform at Nabi Musa, she was violently interrupted, arrested, and imprisoned for allegedly profaning a religious site. This incident sparked international defense from DJs and producers in the global scene.
“I am Palestinian, and there’s no way my music won’t carry a political message,” Sama asserts. To strengthen her country’s underground scene, she launched the Resilience platform in April 2023 and founded Union Collective in June 2024 to provide a safe space for other DJs to perform in Palestine.
Her Cervantino performance, sharing the stage with artists like Nathy Peluso and Sonido Gallo Negro, confirmed that Sama Abdulhadi’s music not only invites dancing but is considered “a powerful cultural voice challenging borders and advocating for freedom.”
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Sama Abdulhadi? Sama Abdulhadi is a Palestinian DJ and producer recognized as the first internationally acclaimed Palestinian DJ in contemporary electronic music.
- What is her background? Born in Jordan, Palestine, Sama’s career began in hip-hop before being introduced to electronic music by DJ Satoshi Tomiie. She honed her skills in London and gained global recognition through her iconic Boiler Room Palestine set.
- What is her activism about? Sama’s activism stems from personal experiences, advocating for cultural and political change. She faced arrest in 2020 while attempting to perform at Nabi Musa, sparking international support from the global DJ community.
- What was her recent performance at Cervantino like? Sama’s Cervantino set was a powerful display of techno catharsis, transforming Los Pastitos into a hub for cultural activism and unity. The audience expressed support for Palestine through chants, flags, and a large banner.
- Why is her music significant? Sama’s music not only encourages dancing but also serves as a powerful cultural voice challenging borders and advocating for freedom.
