Sama’ Abdulhadi announces fundraising club event series for Lebanon

Sama’ Abdulhadi has announced a new club event series, ‘Bring Back Beirut’, raising money for Lebanon as the country grapples with one of the world’s most severe economic crises. 

The Palestinian techno DJ and musician, and former DJ Mag cover star, launched the project at The Ballroom Blitz in Beirut, where she performed an impromptu all-nighter alongside local artists. A large-scale, free event is also planned for the city later in 2022. 

Before that, Saturday 12th March will see the next session take place, this time switching location to London’s Phonox, where a number of Lebanese names are on the bill — Jad Taleb, Sam Karam and Tryanglema. Nusaned, a humanitarian, community-based, volunteer-run NGO based in Beirut, is partnering on the project, which will also head to cities including Berlin and Paris in the coming months. 

Currently, hyperinflation of the cost of basic necessities, and the fallout from a huge explosion that levelled Beirut’s port and surrounding area in 2020, are among the huge problems facing Lebanon. Electricity, clean water, and medicines are in short supply. Nevertheless, the capital is still considered the region’s centre of club and dance music culture, with a thriving arts scene to boot. 

“I’m launching the ‘Bring Back Beirut’ initiative to help Lebanon rise back up on its feet,” says Abdulhadi. “Beirut needs us! The region is still destroyed in the aftermath of the 2020 explosion. I’ve selected Nusaned to channel all financial proceeds made from the events as I trust the funds will reach those in need. Beirut is my second home, it’s the place where I found myself in music and found my freedom. It’s the least I can do to help highlight the situation.”

“We are grateful that the renowned international artist Sama’ Abdulhadi has launched her fundraising initiative ‘Bring Back Beirut’, in support of Lebanon in its time of need. We’re honoured that she has put her trust in Nusaned by choosing us to be the recipients of the funds raised from her events,” a Nusaned spokesperson said. “These funds will directly be channeled into the Adopt A Family program, in partnership with Act For Lebanon, where we sponsor struggling families to provide them with financial assistance. 

“Her fundraising initiative will also bring much needed awareness to the plight of the Lebanese people and hopefully create a ripple effect of additional collaborations. Thanks to the support of NGOs and individuals such as Sama’, Nusaned will continue its mission to support underserved communities to become self-sustaining,” they continued. 

In addition to the events, Abudulhadi is also contributing to a new NFT compilation release, set to arrive on the Bolero platform. A number of Lebanese artists are also involved, with all producers agreeing to auction songs and shares of the masters in a bid to raise more money for the cause. 

Revisit DJ Mag’s long read on clubbing in Beirut. Tickets for ‘Bring Back Beirut’ at Phonox, London, are on sale now.