In a heartfelt effort to make a powerful statement during the festive season, musician Brian Eno is encouraging support for a campaign aiming to propel a Palestinian lullaby to the top of the UK charts this Christmas. But here's where it gets controversial—this initiative is not just about achieving a chart-topping song; it's a strategic move to draw global attention and aid to Gaza, while also shining a spotlight on Palestinian culture and artistic expression.
The campaign is led by the Together for Palestine fund, which is working diligently to secure the No. 1 spot in the UK music charts for the song titled 'Lullaby,' scheduled for release on Friday. The song is more than just a melody; it is a gesture of solidarity, hope, and cultural pride. Eno, who features on the track, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "It would be fantastic if that happened, yes. I’m not gonna be completely disappointed if it doesn’t, because Christmas singles are a tradition that exists independently of such campaigns."
The track is an adaptation of a traditional Palestinian lullaby called 'Yamma Mwel El Hawa' (Mama, Sing to the Wind), performed by Palestinian singer Nai Barghouti. The song carries a message of defiance and resilience—it's a declaration that Palestinians value dignity above all else. Barghouti eloquently explained, "This song holds a special place for many. It’s essentially saying that I would rather die preserving my dignity than live a life devoid of freedom. The core theme is our desire for a life where we can celebrate our identity and share our cultural beauty unhindered."
The recording of 'Lullaby' took place after the Together for Palestine concert held at Wembley Arena in September. Originally intended to be performed live at the event, the recording was delayed due to the show's overrun, which lasted four hours and featured 69 artists, speakers, and activists. Despite this, many renowned artists contributed to the project, including Eno, Celeste, Dan Smith from Bastille, Lana Lubany, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, the London Community Gospel Choir, Mabel, Nadine Shah, and Neneh Cherry. The concert itself was a significant fundraiser, raising around £2 million for Palestinian causes.
Prominent figures like Benedict Cumberbatch and Damon Albarn also took part, contributing to a gathering inspired by historic events such as the 1988 Wembley Stadium concert celebrating Nelson Mandela’s 70th birthday.
Produced by Kieran Brunt, Benji B, and Henri Davies, the song cleverly combines original Arabic lyrics with English translations penned by Peter Gabriel, creating a bridge between cultures and audiences. The goal is to garner as much support and funding as possible for the Palestinian cause through this campaign, with the proceeds directed to Palestinian initiatives via the charity Choose Love.
"We don’t set a specific target; we aim for whatever we can raise," an organizer explained. "Ultimately, all funds go to Gaza. There’s so much destruction—over 92% of property there is either severely damaged or destroyed. While a few million pounds might seem modest against the scale of devastation, what truly matters is raising awareness and demonstrating that the world cares. Many Palestinians have told me that it profoundly means to them that someone is paying attention and standing with their cause."
The 'Lullaby' will be available for streaming on Friday, and recordings of the Together for Palestine concert can be listened to on YouTube starting December 19. This initiative highlights how music and culture can serve as powerful tools for advocacy, solidarity, and hope amid ongoing struggles—and it’s sure to spark debates about the impact of celebrity activism and charitable campaigns during the holiday season.
