The Deira Listening Experience

Cultural Experience in Cairo, Powered by Mountain View, celebrates Saint Levant’s New Album: The Deira Listening Experience connects Gazan Artists with Egyptian Creatives

at Citadel Central.

On July 27, 2024, a unique cultural evening unfolded in the heart of Cairo to celebrate the release of Palestinian Algerian superstar Saint Levant’s evocative new album, “Deira”. The gathering, powered by Mountain View, brought together displaced Gazan artists with their Egyptian peers, as a testament to the resilience and spirit of artistic expression against all odds.

Paying homage to Gaza’s Deira Hotel, destroyed in October 2023, the event took place on the terrace of Citadel Central, overlooking the Salah El Din Citadel and Historic Cairo. Rooted in heritage and fostering inclusivity and connectivity, Citadel Central captures the entirety of Cairo’s essence in one dynamic space. The guests immersed themselves into Palestine’s rich heritage as they learned about Tatreez embroidery with Nebal, a displaced Palestinian mother and artist, read about Palestinian and Arab history, and had the opportunity to support various initiatives aiding Palestinian families in Cairo at a “souvenir shop” showcasing items from Taabu Club and Network for Palestine. As they moved through the venue, they also got to reflect on 75 years of Palestinian displacement and resilience, with an exhibition of photographs from UNRWA’s historical archives.

In the refreshing evening breeze, a traditional Palestinian dinner was served, prepared with love and authenticity by the Sage Experience with Haneen, a home cook from Gaza. The stage was

taken over by some of Gaza’s most promising emerging artists, supported by Road to Freedom, an organization working with refugees around the world. As the courses succeeded each other, so did the musical performances by Zohud, Raouf Belbeisi, and Shamaly. And finally, after dessert, the most anticipated set of the evening: Saint Levant himself, with a special appearance by MC Abdul for their hit song “Deira”. As night came, the terrace was alive with the beats of Cairo’s sweetheart DJ NEDZ, creating a vibrant atmosphere across the plaza.

“Despite the many challenges they’ve faced, the emerging Gazan creatives we’ve platformed tonight are a symbol of incredible resilience. Egypt has historically been a rite of passage for

many Arab artists, and in the context of what’s currently happening in Gaza, it´s crucial for us to be doing our part in supporting them. Every opportunity we create for them to showcase their

talent is a step towards preserving their cultural heritage and amplifying their voices, which is why the support of partners like Mountain View in making an event like this come to life is paramount and a testament to their dedication to uplifting the regional arts scene,” explained Kalam Aflam founder Hayat Aljowaily.

The event was envisioned and crafted by a group of youth and community oriented initiatives that all share one goal: creating meaningful connections and spotlighting the MENA region.

Kalam Aflam programmed the evening, Supernova Atlas built the links with local and international organizations working with displaced Gazans, and the Deira Hotel was brought to life by the design and production house Colesque, all in collaboration with the event and production company Red Amber, specializing in bridging between refugees and national creative industries.

The evening was more than a celebration; it was a bridge, a conduit for cultural exchange and appreciation. It highlighted the rich Palestinian heritage through art, music, and community,

fostering connections that will resonate long after the last note faded. In the heart of Cairo, a new artistic community was formed, bound by an unwavering belief in the importance of arts

and culture in building out a just future.