From Umm Kulthum to Orphaned Land: The influence of female musicians in constructing Israeli/Palestinian narratives

Historical narratives come not only from real-world events but from psychological processes, with Israeli and Palestinian narratives undergoing constant radical changes along with the physical territory. In the Middle East, femininity and the female form are considered intrinsic to national identity, and female musicians from the region have long addressed the Israeli/Palestinian divide. This article uses original interviews conducted with modern-day Israeli and Palestinian female vocalists to investigate national narratives since the mid-twentieth century and their relationship to the political situation. Analysis of the data gathered demonstrates a shift in attitudes and narrative type from one promoting staunch patriotism and national solidarity in the 1960s to a development towards liberalism and a modern-day mindset of coexistence for both nations in the twenty-first century. These variations indicate changing feelings towards nationalism and humanitarianism, towards creating borders and destroying them, whilst also showing how political revolution will only come through a revolution of the self.