It’s been less than a week since Hatari finished 10th at Eurovision with “Hatrið mun sigra“, thereby securing Iceland’s first top 10 result since Yohanna (2009). Also, it was their first qualification since Pollapönk (2014). However, they are not resting on their laurels. Today they released their new single, “ Klefi/Samed (صامد)” feat. Bashar Murad.
This song is a collaboration with Bashar Murad, who is a gay Palestinian musician, living in East Jerusalem. Bashar was one of the many artists performing at the Globalvision concert in Bethlehem. Globalvision wasn’t just organized as an alternative to Eurovision. Moreover, the event’s slogan was “Dare to dream together”, obviously playing on the Eurovision slogan, “Dear to Dream”. It was broadcast online parallel to the Eurovision final. There, Bashar performed his own version of John Lennon’s “Imagine”, with altered lyrics.
Bashar Murad
Bashar has received international attention both for his music and lyrics. Most of his songs are highly political, dealing with topics like gender expression and the liberation of Palestine. As a result he is a controversial artist, receiving both praise and criticism for his music. Last night Hatari and Bashar performed their new song live in Reykjavik.
Video filmed in Palestine
As we can see from the “Klefi/Samed (صامد)” video, Hatari spent their free time at Eurovision well. Among other things they visited Hebron. During their visit to Palestine it seems they also grabbed the opportunity to record the video to. The lyrics of the song deals with the desire and hope of liberation and freedom.
As the keen observer may have noticed; Klemens is wearing the same clothes in the “Klefi/Samed (صامد)” video as he did in Hatari’s official Eurovision postcard. #ohtheirony
What do you think of “Klefi/Samed (صامد)”? Do you think it’s a good follow-up single to “Hatrið mun sigra”? Please let us know by sharing your opinion with us on our social media @escxtra
