47SOUL Unveils ‘Dualism Pt. 1’ A Journey Through Grief and Resilience
To be released via Cooking Vinyl May 2
New Single ‘Ghost Town’ (out now) is inspired by Gazan influencers and journalists who risked their lives to document the genocide
Launch Night and Gaza Fundraiser–Tuesday April 29, London, Scala
In support of the Ghassan Abu Sittah Children’s Fund, which is dedicated to the children of Gaza & Lebanon: providing medical attention to the children who need it the most and helping to relieve the medical sector
Listen HERE
Tickets HERE
Press Image HERE
Download Artwork HERE (Credit: Hanin Arnaout)
Catalogue Ref: FRY1736
The band explores the bipolarity of the Palestinian experience in a two-part musical odyssey.
While Shamstep became synonymous with the energetic Dabke dance over the last decade, 47SOUL, trailblazers of the genre, explore a timely “ritardando” with their upcoming release of the first part of their two-part EP ”Dualism.” Pt 1 embarks on a profound journey through duality, examining the emotional landscape between grief and hope. This shift is crucial for preserving Palestinian identity through music in the face of cultural erasure.
Born from the heart-wrenching realities of the ongoing genocide in Gaza, this EP represents a departure from 47SOUL’s traditionally celebratory themes. It mirrors the immediate reality and the band’s own creative journey, balancing heartfelt appreciation for global solidarity with the deep sorrow of a divided world. The project is deeply rooted in the Palestinian struggle, capturing the pathos of a community caught between resilience and despair.
“Dualism Pt.1” presents a tapestry of songs, each weaving together lyrical, musical, and visual elements to explore the themes of grief and resilience.
“Ya Kho” serves as an introspective reflection on the ongoing genocide in Gaza, capturing the unyielding pain and resilience of its people. Inspired by the haunting gaze of Amina, a 13-year-old girl whose story symbolizes this struggle, the song is guitar-centric and sombre, infused with strong Shamstep influences. The introspective lyrics meld with a melancholic soundscape, questioning the role of art in times of catastrophe. The accompanying music video, directed by Michael Zananiri, juxtaposes silhouettes of theband against scenes of Palestinian struggle, blending historical and contemporary imagery to reflect the song’s profound themes.
Similarly, “Ghost Town” (Single out now) captures themes of loss and resilience, drawing inspiration from Gazan influencers and journalists who risked their lives to document the genocide. The song reflects on the feeling of desolation and the refusal to accept the genocide as a repetitive occurrence, illustrating the broader narrative of displacement, demolitions and siege that define current Palestinian life. With a percussive Levantine feel, and a slightly slower groove, the track is set in a monotonous minor key, conveying a sense of haunting loneliness as cities transform into ghost towns amidst global indifference. The bilingual vocal hooks serve as cultural translators, reflecting the duality of life in the diaspora and adding to the song’s complexity.
The song’s music video, directed by Michael Zananiri and starring actor Motaz Malhees, vividly depicts his character wandering through an eerily deserted London, capturing the haunting transition from isolation to solidarity. As the narrative unfolds, Malhees finds himself amidst a sea of Palestinian flags in a powerful protest scene, while the band performs from an isolated tunnel before joining the protest on stage. These parallel journeys personify the message of resilience and collective strength, underscoring the cultural and emotional depth of “Ghost Town.”
Meanwhile, “Power” critiques authority and examines power dynamics through a sarcastic lens, addressing an era where political power feels increasingly impersonal. The song challenges listeners to reconsider how power is distributed and perceived, emphasizing the frustration of those who find genuine empowerment elusive. It reintroduces power from a brighter, more accessible perspective while acknowledging the societal challenges ahead. Musically, it blends Shamstep, hip-hop, and a hint of reggae, featuring a classic 47SOUL arrangement that combines simple yet impactful English and Arabic vocal hooks with rap. This dynamic fusion underscores the song’s narrative of defiance and resilience, inviting audiences to engage with its layered exploration of power.
Together, these songs and their accompanying visuals create a cohesive narrative within “Dualism Pt.1,” reflecting the complexities of the Palestinian experience and the emotional spectrum between grief and hope. The EP’s artwork, based on a painting by an anonymous child from Gaza that depicts the horrific and ongoing bleakness of life amid war experienced by children in the strip. It adds an emotional layer, enhancing the project’s overarching themes of vulnerability and strength.
Deeply embedded in the ongoing Palestinian struggle, “Dualism Pt.1” underscores 47SOUL’s role as cultural ambassadors, preserving Palestinian identity through music in the face of digital and physical suppression in a turbulent climate that has taken its toll on the mobility of touring members, band line-ups and studio work—not only for 47SOUL but for most Palestinian artists.
Written, produced, and performed by 47SOUL, the EP wasrecorded and mixed by Dub Caravan and mastered by Mazen Murad, with artwork curated by Hanin Arnaout. Released through the independent label Cooking Vinyl, this project showcases the band’s commitment to authentic expression.
As this part of the EP navigates themes of grief and introspection, it sets the stage for the forthcoming “Dualism Pt.2,” which will shift to morecelebratory themes. This transition captures the duality and bipolarity of the Palestinian experience—moving from sorrow to hope, resistance to dreams of a long-awaited celebration.
“Dualism Pt.1” will be available on 02 May across major platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. Listeners are invited to join 47SOUL on this journey, experiencing the narrative arc from grief to resilience. This release is more than music; it is a dialogue and a reflection of the complex emotional landscapes within us all.
ABOUT 47SOUL
An Electro Arabic Dabke (Shamstep) collective formed in Amman Jordan in 2013. The members are rooted in Bilad Al-Sham, spanning the divides from Amman to the Galilee to Ramallah and the rest of the Palestinian Diaspora. This unique sound of47SOULmixing hip-hop, electronica and Middle Eastern melodies and styles has rapidly amassed fans globally.The collective break barriers internationally with shows around the world that end in relentless dance and trance from all audiences involved. Their lyrics, mixing Arabic and English, call to celebrate and advance the struggle for freedom and equality, inside Bilad Al Sham and throughout the world. They will play in London to launch the EP in Apriland they play WOMADelaide and WOMAD New Zealand in 2025.
Links
Web: 47soul.com
Tickets for fundraiser: HERE
Socials:
X: @47soulofficial
facebook.com/47soul
www.instagram.com/47soul/
www.youtube.com/47soul
For more information please contact Brendan Gilmartin at Chart Room Media (347) 450-3048