Fans of a popular Palestinian song have expressed anger over the removal of the iconic patriotic song from major online streaming platforms including Spotify.
The song, “Ana Dammi Falastini’ (My Blood is Palestinian), by Palestinian singer and Arab Idol winner Mohammed Assaf, has been removed from several platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Deezer, causing an uproar from fans.
The singer, who has amassed a large fanbase from around the world, told Al-Araby al-Jadeed, that he was shocked by the decision to remove his song and that he received an email about it, stating that it was due to “inciting against Israel”.
“I received an official email about it, on the pretext that the song incites the Zionist enemy, which makes me more honored that my songs express the Palestinian people’s resistance to the occupation,” he told the website on Sunday.
According to Middle East Eye, a statement given by a Spotify spokesperson stated that the decision was not determined by them and that availability of certain songs may vary over time and by country.
“The removal of some of Mohammed Assaf’s content was not determined by Spotify, but rather by the distributor. We anticipate its return in the near future and apologize for any inconvenience caused,” they said.
The singer, who is from the besieged Gaza Strip, is represented by the label Platinum Records, which is owned by the Saudi-based entertainment giant MBC.
The 33-year-old singer is known for his patriotic songs, which are regularly played during weddings and cultural events.
Across social media, people have been questioning the reason why the song was removed and were quick to come to the singer’s defence.
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