American singer-songwriter Kehlani recently released a new song called “Next 2 U,” which she dedicated to all people suffering in Palestine, particularly in light of Israel’s increased aggression following October 7. This was a strong show of support.
The announcement was made on Friday through an Instagram picture that had the moving message, “The role of the artist is to make the revolution irresistible,” by author and activist Toni Cade Bambara. The tweet featured stills from the music video, which showed Kehlani and her dancers in Keffiyeh costumes performing in front of the Palestinian flag.
In an open letter that was posted below her image, Kehlani acknowledged that she was anxious as a musician, struggling with the decision to release music in the middle of severe world crises. With vulnerability, she said, “After losing so much of what I’d valued for an album I worked incredibly hard on, to my humanity, I was nervous, terrified, worried as an artist.” accompanied by the debilitating curiosity of what music should be played throughout the worst disasters in modern history. I recalled the revolutionary poets, musicians, and filmmakers that I loved the most. I recalled our significant influence.
“I listened to this song enough to recognize that a love song is a protector’s song, is the revolution,” the woman said. Kehlani weaves symbols of Palestinian struggle throughout the song, giving it a powerful message even though the lyrics do not specifically mention Palestine. A sombre remembrance of the children slain by Israeli soldiers opens the song video. It said, “We attempted to create a scroll honouring the names of thousands of children who passed away.” “The list was so long that it was unreadable after three minutes at our fastest scroll speed.” The artist advised fans to read the list of names “at your own pace” instead.
Kehlani disclosed in her caption that Sally Sujin Oh, the music video’s creative producer and collaborator, gave recruiting Palestinians on set priority while reflecting on the process of making it. The singer wrote, “Thank you, my creative partner in crime, for hiring Palestinians on set and making sure everyone felt safe.” She also said thanks to Briana Andalore, her stylist, who was in charge of making all of the Keffiyeh costumes.
The vocalist of Nights Like This concluded her message by saying, “This was just an expression of suffering, rage, and support. a reflection of the fear-mongering, bad representation, pinkwashing, and silencing. Where there is fierceness, there is gentleness. The extreme can be beautiful. To be honest, I’m afraid, but all I’m doing is attempting to stay in my comfort zone. Right now, here. Indefinitely and without end.
I am a dedicated student currently in my seventh semester, pursuing a degree in International Relations. Alongside my academic pursuits, I am actively engaged in the professional field as a content writer at the Rangeinn website.