Islamic Restrictions Hinder Artists, Singers in Gaza
Unlike their counterparts in the West Bank, Palestinian artists in Gaza are unable to use their talents because of restrictions imposed by Hamas, writes Hazem Balousha.
Instead of listening to the radio, which often doesn’t work in Gaza’s taxis, the passengers listen to the driver sing traditional Palestinian songs or the songs of famous singers.
About six months ago, Palestinian singer Yousef Hajjaj, 38, was forced to work as a taxi driver for lack of singing opportunities. For years, there has been dwindling work opportunities for singers at concerts as well as at local, Arab and international festivals.
Hajjaj sang for a living for 20 years to support his family of six, but things changed after Hamas took control of Gaza and Israel placed it under blockade.
In an interview with Al-Monitor in his taxi cab, he expressed his disappointment at what is happening to him and to Palestinian artists in the Gaza Strip in general. He was dismayed at the fact that most artists were looking for alternative work opportunities while both the Gaza government and the Palestinian artists union do nothing.
