Sing 4 Gaza offers a powerful alternative form of protest through music. Initiated by composer Malcolm Atkins and writer Sylvia Vetta, the movement invites people of all backgrounds to express their solidarity with the people of Gaza and those who oppose violence – through song.
“Our aim is to offer a method of protest that also appeals to those who may not feel comfortable marching or chanting slogans,” said Vetta. “I’ve been consumed by the events in Gaza since the Hamas atrocities, to which Israel has responded with genocidal destruction, massacres and starvation. I’ve been writing about it and going on vigils and marches ever since. Malcolm and I wanted to create a welcoming way that people of all religions and none who want to show support for Palestinians and stand in solidarity with the tens of thousands of Jewish people who oppose Netanyahu’s war against unarmed civilians”.
Despite a downpour, 22 people attended the launch event, while a similar number sent their apologies.
Over the course of the evening, Atkins presented a series of chants and songs he had adapted from Classical, Renaissance, Arabic, and Hebrew traditions – united by the common theme of peace. Some of the pieces were simple and suitable for use during demonstrations, while others featured more complex part-singing for choirs.
Music as protest
“Music has always been at the heart of protest,” Atkins explained. “Think of the American civil rights movement or the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa. We’ve uploaded some of the chants to the Sing 4 Gaza Facebook page and hope that choirs will be inspired to use them”.
The evening was also marked by a moving performance by singer Nuzhat Abbas, who sang a Punjabi poem about love – not romantic love, but symbolising a deep passion for a cause.
“It’s the idea that we want to spread. We don’t own it. Anyone, anywhere in the world, can sing for Gaza in any language and in any musical form,” added Vetta.
Following the success of the event, Malcolm and Sylvia plan to explore organising similar gatherings elsewhere in Oxford and beyond. Future plans include public performances in Bonn Square and at the Martyrs’ Memorial to reach a wider audience, in the hope that the idea will spread across the country.
Atkins said, “If you want to join us, do get in touch”.
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