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DUBAI: Algerian director Lyna Zerrouki has directed a new music video for rapper Saint Levant for a song titled “Exile.”

Set to release in full on Tuesday, a snippet of the video released on social media on Monday seemed to feature Moroccan Italian model Malika El-Maslouhi falling through the air against a blue background. Arab News has reached out to Saint Levant’s team to confirm the model’s involvement in the new video.

The short video clips released on Monday also features a shot of the camera panning toward Saint Levant, who is illuminated from behind as rolling fog covers the floor.

Saint Levant, a Palestinian French Algerian Serbian rapper, is known for such songs as “From Gaza, With Love” and “5am in Paris.” He performed at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival music festival in California in 2024.

The musician used the opportunity to address the ongoing war in Gaza, saying: “Coachella, my name is Saint Levant and I was born in Jerusalem and raised in Gaza … as I hope all of you are aware, the people of Gaza have been undergoing a brutal, brutal genocide for the past six months. And the people of Palestine have been undergoing a brutal occupation for the past 75 years.”

Born Marwan Abdelhamid in Jerusalem, the singer previously spoke to Arab News about his childhood.

“The actual cultural makeup is my mom is half-French and half-Algerian. My dad is Serbian, half-Palestinian. And they actually both grew up in Algeria. But they decided, in the early 90s, post the Oslo Accords, that Palestine was going to be free.

“So they went back, my dad went to live in Gaza in the early 1980s. And my dad actually built a hotel there and that’s where I grew up,” he said.

“For everyone, childhood is very meaningful. And for me, it was a juxtaposition because I remember the sound of the drones and the sounds of the bones. But more than anything, I remember the warmth, and the smell … and the taste of food and just the odd feeling of soil.”

RIYADH: The Harrods Hive Riyadh returned for its second edition on Saturday, this time hosted at the Diriyah Sales Center in Al-Diriyah. In partnership with the Saudi Youth Society, this edition focused on the evolution of luxury experiences and the engagement of audiences with culture and creativity. 

The event featured afternoon tea and three insightful panels. The first panel, titled “Growing a Creative Community in the Spotlight,” discussed the importance of connection amid rapid evolution and growth in the Kingdom. The second panel, “Stories That Matter,” centered on owning one’s passion and pioneering change. The final panel, “Sparking Innovation Locally through Global Influencers,” explored the intersection of local and global creativity. Attendees had the opportunity to network with panelists and members of the Harrods senior leadership team. 
  
The first panel included Saudi artist Lulwah Al-Homoud, bespoke tailor Yousef Tammar, chef Mona Mosly, and cultural advisor Yasmine Rasool. An artist known for blending traditional Islamic art with modern abstraction — Al-Homoud emphasized the significance of connection in art.
 “Art is a bridge that connects us all … when someone resonates with my work, it feels like a validation of my journey.” 
  
Tammar, an emerging Saudi tailor studying in Rome, described his transformative journey as “like a fairy tale.” He reflected on the cultural shifts he experienced and expressed a desire to integrate his skills into Saudi culture, focusing on elevating the quality of traditional clothing. “I want to bring a new perspective to traditional designs,” he shared. “It’s about honoring our heritage while embracing innovation.” 
  
Mosly shared her culinary inspirations rooted in her family's love for food, noting that “behind every chef is their mother.” She highlighted the importance of family in nurturing culinary passion, adding, “Food is not just about sustenance; it’s about connection and love. When I cook, I’m sharing a piece of my heart.” She also spoke on the challenges of her career, stating, “Every chef faces moments of doubt, but those are the moments that shape us. It’s crucial to remember why we began this journey.” 
  
For her part, Rasool discussed the myriad opportunities available in ��������Ƶ for creatives. She expressed excitement about the potential for collaboration among diverse talents, stating, “This is the best time to be in Saudi … we're on the brink of a cultural renaissance, with so many voices ready to be heard. Together, we can create something truly magical.” 
  
This year's theme of the networking hub aiming to connect industry experts with emerging talent was “The Connector,” The theme serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of nurturing meaningful bonds, both locally and globally — as Al-Humoud concluded, “In a world that often feels divided, art and creativity are what unite us.”