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{{short description|Palestinian pop singer|bot=PearBOT 5}}
{{short description|Libyan-born Palestinian pop singer|bot=PearBOT 5}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
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| native_name_lang = ar
| native_name_lang = ar
| birth_name = Mohammad Jaber Abdul Rahman Assaf<br />{{lang|ar|محمد جبر عبدالرحمن عساف}}
| birth_name = Mohammad Jaber Abdul Rahman Assaf<br />{{lang|ar|محمد جبر عبدالرحمن عساف}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1989|9|1|df=yes}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1990|9|1|df=yes}}
| birth_place = [[Misrata]], Libya
| birth_place = [[Misrata]], [[Libya]]<ref name="Maan6-2">[http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=599182 Palestinian public hails local hero of Arab Idol] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141103001754/http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=599182 |date=3 November 2014 }}. ''[[Ma'an News Agency]]''. 2 June 2013.</ref>
| nationality = Palestinian
| nationality = Libyan, Palestinian
| spouse = {{marriage|Reem Ouda|2020}}
| spouse = {{marriage|Reem Ouda|2020}}
| known_for = Winner of the ''[[Arab Idol]]''
| known_for = Winner of the ''[[Arab Idol]]''
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}}
}}
| years_active = 2008–present
| years_active = 2008–present
| website = {{URL|http://www.mohammedassaf442.com/|mohammedassaf442.com}}
| website = {{URL|http://www.mohammedassaf442.com/|mohammedassaf442.com}}{{dead link|date=November 2023}}
| module = {{Infobox musical artist
| module = {{Infobox musical artist
| embed = yes
| embed = yes
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}}
}}
}}
}}
'''Mohammad Jaber Abdul Rahman Assaf''' ({{lang-ar|محمد جبر عبدالرحمن عساف}}; born 1 September 1989)<ref name="Sayyidati">[http://www.sayidaty.net/node/72626/%D9%85%D8%B4%D8%A7%D9%87%D9%8A%D8%B1/%D9%86%D8%AC%D9%88%D9%85-%D9%88%D8%A3%D8%B6%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%A1/%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%AF%D8%AA%D9%8A-%D9%86%D8%AA-%D8%AA%D8%AC%D8%B1%D9%8A-%D8%AD%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%8B-%D8%AE%D8%A7%D8%B5%D8%A7%D9%8B-%D9%85%D8%B9-%D8%B9%D8%A7%D8%A6%D9%84%D8%A9-%D9%85%D8%AD%D9%85%D8%AF-%D8%B9%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%81 Interview with Mohammed Assaf's mother on Sayyidati magazine] {{in lang|ar}}</ref> is a [[Palestinians|Palestinian]] pop singer well known for being the winner of the second season of ''[[Arab Idol]]'', broadcast by the [[Middle East Broadcasting Center|MBC]] network. His victory received worldwide coverage from the media and was welcomed with joy by Palestinians and the rest of the Arab world. In 2013, Assaf was named a goodwill ambassador for peace by [[United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East|The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA)]]. He was also named ambassador of culture and arts by the Palestinian government and was offered a position with "diplomatic standing" by Palestinian President [[Mahmoud Abbas]].<ref>[http://english.alarabiya.net/en/life-style/entertainment/2013/06/23/Young-Palestinian-singer-Assaf-crowned-the-Arab-Idol-.html A Palestinian hero is born: Mohammed Assaf crowned ‘Arab Idol’]. alarabiya.net. 23 June 2013</ref> Assaf's story is the basis of the 2015 film [[The Idol (2015 film)|''The Idol'']], directed by [[Hany Abu-Assad]]. After ''Arab Idol'', Assaf has gone on to enjoy huge popularity in the Arab World and the Arab diaspora and has released two albums and a great number of singles and collaborations. Most of his music is sung in the [[Mesopotamian Arabic|Iraqi]] and [[Gulf Arabic|Gulf]] dialects.
'''Mohammad Jaber Abdul Rahman Assaf''' ({{langx|ar|محمد جبر عبدالرحمن عساف}}; born 1 September 1990)<ref name="Sayyidati">{{Cite web|url=https://www.sayidaty.net/node/72626/%D9%85%D8%B4%D8%A7%D9%87%D9%8A%D8%B1/%D9%86%D8%AC%D9%88%D9%85-%D9%88%D8%A3%D8%B6%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%A1/%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%AF%D8%AA%D9%8A-%D9%86%D8%AA-%D8%AA%D8%AC%D8%B1%D9%8A-%D8%AD%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%8B-%D8%AE%D8%A7%D8%B5%D8%A7%D9%8B-%D9%85%D8%B9-%D8%B9%D8%A7%D8%A6%D9%84%D8%A9-%D9%85%D8%AD%D9%85%D8%AF-%D8%B9%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%81|title=عائلة مشترك Arab Idol محمد عساف:فوزه فخر لفلسطين &#124; مجلة سيدتي|website=www.sayidaty.net|date=24 May 2013|access-date=10 June 2024}}</ref> is a Palestinian pop singer well known for being the winner of the second season of ''[[Arab Idol]]'', broadcast by the [[Middle East Broadcasting Center|MBC]] network. His victory received worldwide coverage from the media and was welcomed with joy by Palestinians and the rest of the Arab world. In 2013, Assaf was named a goodwill ambassador for peace by [[United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East|The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA)]]. He was also named ambassador of culture and arts by the Palestinian government and was offered a position with "diplomatic standing" by Palestinian President [[Mahmoud Abbas]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://english.alarabiya.net/en/life-style/entertainment/2013/06/23/Young-Palestinian-singer-Assaf-crowned-the-Arab-Idol-.html |title=A Palestinian hero is born: Mohammed Assaf crowned ‘Arab Idol’ |website=alarabiya.net |date=23 June 2013 |access-date=10 June 2024}}</ref> Assaf's story is the basis of the 2015 film [[The Idol (2015 film)|''The Idol'']], directed by [[Hany Abu-Assad]]. After ''Arab Idol'', Assaf has gone on to enjoy huge popularity in the Arab World and the Arab diaspora and has released two albums and a great number of singles and collaborations. Most of his music is sung in the [[Mesopotamian Arabic|Iraqi]] and [[Gulf Arabic|Gulf]] dialects.


==Life==
==Life==
He was born in [[Misrata]], [[Libya]] to Palestinian parents. He lived there until he was 4 years old, when his parents moved back to Gaza, he grew up in Khan Younis refugee camp with a middle class couple where he attended UNRWA elementary school.<ref name="Sayyidati"/> His mother's family hails from the village of [[Bayt Daras]], which was captured and depopulated by the nascent [[Israel Defense Forces|IDF]] in 1948<ref><Morris, Benny (2004): The Birth of the Palestinian Refugee Problem Revisited, Cambridge University Press {{ISBN|0-521-00967-7}}></ref> and his father's family is from [[Beersheba]].<ref name="Haaretz">Hass, Amira. [http://www.haaretz.com/news/middle-east/palestinian-mohammed-assaf-wins-arab-idol.premium-1.531385 A Palestinian hero is born: Gaza's Mohammed Assaf wins Arab Idol]. ''[[Haaretz]]''. 23 June 2013.</ref> Assaf's parents moved to [[Khan Yunis Refugee Camp]] when he was four years old.<ref name="Sayyidati"/> He is one of six siblings, three of whom, including Assaf, have been involved in performing live music. Assaf's mother Intisar, a mathematics teacher, has stated that Assaf began singing at the age of five and "had a voice of someone who was much, much older."<ref name="National"/> Before his role on the television show he was attending [[Gaza City]]'s [[Palestine University]] majoring in media and [[public relations]].<ref name="National"/> Assaf did not have professional training as a singer; he started his career singing at weddings and other private events.<ref name="Guardian">Sherwood, Harriet. [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/may/26/gaza-refugee-arab-idol Gaza refugee tipped to win Arab Idol]. ''[[The Guardian]]''. 26 May 2013.</ref> He entered the public view in 2000 during a popular local television program where he called in and sung a nationalist song to the host's praise. Afterward, he was frequently offered contracts with local record companies.<ref name="National"/> Sometime after his first performance, he sang in a local event in Gaza attended by late Palestinian president [[Yasser Arafat]].<ref name="DailyBeast"/>
Assaf was born in [[Misrata]], Libya,<ref name="Maan6-2">{{cite web |url=http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=599182 |title=Palestinian public hails local hero of Arab Idol |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141103001754/http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=599182 |archive-date=3 November 2014 |website=[[Ma'an News Agency]] |date=2 June 2013}}</ref> to Palestinian parents. The family of his mother Intisar, a mathematics teacher, hailed from the village of [[Bayt Daras]] and his father's family was from [[Beersheba]], both of which areas [[Nakba|were seized and depopulated]] by the nascent [[Israel Defense Forces|IDF]] in 1948.<ref>{{cite book |author=Morris, Benny |date=2004 |title=The Birth of the Palestinian Refugee Problem Revisited |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=0-521-00967-7}}</ref><ref name="Haaretz">{{cite web |author=Hass, Amira |url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/middle-east/palestinian-mohammed-assaf-wins-arab-idol.premium-1.531385 |title=A Palestinian hero is born: Gaza's Mohammed Assaf wins Arab Idol |website=[[Haaretz]] |date=23 June 2013 |access-date=10 June 2024}}</ref> He has five siblings. The family lived in Misrata until Assaf was four years old. Then they moved to the [[Khan Yunis Refugee Camp]] in Gaza, where he grew up {{clarify span|with a middle class couple|date=March 2024}} and attended an [[UNRWA]] elementary school.<ref name="Sayyidati"/>

Two of Assaf's siblings have also been involved in performing live music. Their mother stated that Assaf began singing at the age of five and "had a voice of someone who was much, much older."<ref name="National"/> Before his role on the television show he was attending [[Gaza City]]'s [[Palestine University]] majoring in media and [[public relations]].<ref name="National"/> Assaf did not have professional training as a singer; he started his career singing at weddings and other private events.<ref name="Guardian">{{cite web |author=Sherwood, Harriet |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/may/26/gaza-refugee-arab-idol |title=Gaza refugee tipped to win Arab Idol |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=26 May 2013 |access-date=10 June 2024}}</ref> He entered the public view in 2000 during a popular local television program where he called in and sung a nationalist song to the host's praise. Afterward, he was frequently offered contracts with local record companies.<ref name="National"/> Sometime after his first performance, he sang in a local event in Gaza attended by the late Palestinian president [[Yasser Arafat]].<ref name="DailyBeast"/>


==''Arab Idol''==
==''Arab Idol''==
Mohammad Assaf travelled from Gaza Strip to Egypt to audition for ''[[Arab Idol]]''. It took him two days to reach Egypt by car due to complications on the border. At the beginning, he had to convince the Egyptian security at the border crossing, where he was stuck for two days, to leave Gaza. Once he reached the hotel where the auditions were taking place, the doors were closed in which they did not accept anymore auditions so he jumped over the wall. After he jumped over the wall, he couldn't get a number to audition; he sat hopelessly in the hall where other contestants were waiting for their turn. He started singing to the contestants,<ref name="DailyBeast"/> and a Palestinian contestant, Ramadan Abu Nahel,<ref name="NPRHarris"/> who was waiting to audition heard him and gave him his number saying, "I know I won't reach the finals but you will."<ref name="DailyBeast">Zayid, Maysoon. [http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/05/22/the-next-arab-idol.html The Next Arab Idol: Palestine's Boy Wonder and Stereotype Buster]. ''[[The Daily Beast]]''. 22 May 2013.</ref>
Mohammad Assaf travelled from Gaza Strip to Egypt to audition for ''[[Arab Idol]]''. It took him two days to reach Egypt by car due to complications on the border. At the beginning, he had to convince the Egyptian security at the border crossing, where he was stuck for two days, to leave Gaza. Once he reached the hotel where the auditions were taking place, the doors were closed in which they did not accept anymore auditions so he jumped over the wall. After he jumped over the wall, he couldn't get a number to audition; he sat hopelessly in the hall where other contestants were waiting for their turn. He started singing to the contestants,<ref name="DailyBeast"/> and a Palestinian contestant, Ramadan Abu Nahel,<ref name="NPRHarris"/> who was waiting to audition heard him and gave him his number saying, "I know I won't reach the finals but you will."<ref name="DailyBeast">{{cite web |author=Zayid, Maysoon |url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/05/22/the-next-arab-idol.html |title=The Next Arab Idol: Palestine's Boy Wonder and Stereotype Buster |work=[[The Daily Beast]] |date=22 May 2013 |access-date=10 June 2024}}</ref>


He was given the nickname ''Asaroukh'' ("The Rocket") by Lebanese singer and ''Arab Idol'' judge [[Ragheb Alama]]. Assaf was acclaimed by the jury and the public. His voice and appearance have drawn comparisons to Egyptian singer [[Abdel Halim Hafez]], which has garnered Assaf both fame and controversy. Fans merged part of Hafez's name with Assaf's, as in ''Assaf Hilm Falastine'' ("Assaf Palestine’s Dream").<ref>Kuttab, Daoud. [http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2013/04/mohammed-assaf-arab-idol-fayyad.html Mohammed Assaf Carries Palestinian Hopes]. ''[[Al-Monitor]]''. 26 May 2013.</ref> Assaf's final performance was his own song that was well known before his rise to fame "Ali al-kuffiyeh" ("Raise The Kuffiyeh"), a Palestinian song that called on Palestinians to raise their [[kuffiyeh]]s (a traditional Arab headdress that has become a Palestinian nationalist symbol) and to unite,<ref name="BBCKnell2"/> in light of the split between the two major Palestinian factions, Hamas and [[Fatah]]. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians had tuned in to watch his performance.<ref>[http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=607312 Hundreds of thousands watch Assaf perform] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213051424/http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=607312 |date=13 December 2013 }}. ''[[Ma'an News Agency]]''. 22 June 2013.</ref> On 22 June Assaf was declared the winner of ''Arab Idol'', winning the most votes and coming ahead of two other competitors, [[Ahmad Gamal (singer)|Ahmed Gamal]] and [[Farah Youssef]], from Egypt and Syria, respectively.<ref name="BBCKnell2">[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-23017923 Gaza singer Mohammed Assaf wins Arab Idol contest]. ''[[BBC News]]''. 22 June 2013.</ref><ref>Abu Alouf, Rushdi and Abukhater, Maher. [https://www.latimes.com/news/world/worldnow/la-fg-wn-palestinian-idol-winner-20130622,0,2424841.story Palestinian from Gaza camp wins 'Arab Idol']. ''[[Los Angeles Times]]''. 22 June 2013.</ref> Massive celebrations by Palestinians ensued after the announcement of his victory, including festivities held on the streets of Gaza City, [[East Jerusalem]],<ref name="BBCKnell2"/> [[Nablus]],<ref>[http://www.newstimes.com/news/article/Gaza-singer-gives-Palestinians-a-reason-to-smile-4616045.php#photo-4823924 Gaza singer gives Palestinians a reason to smile]. ''Newstimes''. Photo by Nasser Ishtayeh.</ref> [[Ramallah]], [[Bethlehem]], [[Khan Yunis]], [[Nazareth]],<ref>[http://mondoweiss.net/2013/06/remember-palestine-mohammed.html UPDATE: Mohammed Assaf IS Arab Idol] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130711103948/http://mondoweiss.net/2013/06/remember-palestine-mohammed.html |date=11 July 2013 }}.</ref> [[Lebanon]] and [[Jordan]], And when his professional career as an artist began after the title of [[Arab Idol]], he was accompanied by Awtar Band led by The [[Yacoub G. Al-Atrash|Maestro Yacoub Al-Atrash]] in [[Arabs|Arab]] and international festivals since then.<ref name="JacobAtrashRef">[https://sawtelghad.net/594?fbclid=IwAR2PseL6ji6hXa5CNPWBarU0Nyg-J9j1UflL6hQhwxvZX2A77NeyQThDmAk المايسترو يعقوب الأطرش من فلسطين إلى العالم ]</ref>
He was given the nickname ''Asaroukh'' ("The Rocket") by Lebanese singer and ''Arab Idol'' judge [[Ragheb Alama]]. Assaf was acclaimed by the jury and the public. His voice and appearance have drawn comparisons to Egyptian singer [[Abdel Halim Hafez]], which has garnered Assaf both fame and controversy. Fans merged part of Hafez's name with Assaf's, as in ''Assaf Hilm Falastine'' ("Assaf Palestine’s Dream").<ref>{{cite web |author=Kuttab, Daoud |url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2013/04/mohammed-assaf-arab-idol-fayyad.html |title=Mohammed Assaf Carries Palestinian Hopes |work=[[Al-Monitor]] |date=26 May 2013 |access-date=10 June 2024}}</ref> Assaf's final performance was his own song that was well known before his rise to fame, "Ali al-kuffiyeh" ("Raise The Kuffiyeh"), a Palestinian song that called on Palestinians to raise their [[kuffiyeh]]s (a traditional Arab headdress that has become a Palestinian nationalist symbol) and to unite,<ref name="BBCKnell2"/> in light of the split between the two major Palestinian factions, [[Hamas]] and [[Fatah]]. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians had tuned in to watch his performance.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=607312 |title=Hundreds of thousands watch Assaf perform |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213051424/http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=607312 |archive-date=13 December 2013 |work=[[Ma'an News Agency]] |date= 22 June 2013}}</ref> On 22 June, Assaf was declared the winner of ''Arab Idol'', winning the most votes and coming ahead of two other competitors, [[Ahmad Gamal (singer)|Ahmed Gamal]] and [[Farah Youssef]], from Egypt and Syria, respectively.<ref name="BBCKnell2">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-23017923 |title=Gaza singer Mohammed Assaf wins Arab Idol contest |work=[[BBC News]] |date=22 June 2013 |access-date=10 June 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author1=Abu Alouf, Rushdi |author2=Abukhater, Maher |url=https://www.latimes.com/news/world/worldnow/la-fg-wn-palestinian-idol-winner-20130622,0,2424841.story |title=Palestinian from Gaza camp wins 'Arab Idol' |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=22 June 2013 |access-date=10 June 2024}}</ref> Massive celebrations by Palestinians ensued after the announcement of his victory, including festivities held on the streets of Gaza City, [[East Jerusalem]],<ref name="BBCKnell2"/> [[Nablus]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.newstimes.com/news/article/Gaza-singer-gives-Palestinians-a-reason-to-smile-4616045.php#photo-4823924 |title=Gaza singer gives Palestinians a reason to smile |work=Newstimes |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130624235510/http://www.newstimes.com/news/article/Gaza-singer-gives-Palestinians-a-reason-to-smile-4616045.php%23photo-4823924 |archive-date=24 June 2013}} Photo by Nasser Ishtayeh</ref> [[Ramallah]], [[Bethlehem]], [[Khan Yunis]], [[Nazareth]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mondoweiss.net/2013/06/remember-palestine-mohammed.html |title=UPDATE: Mohammed Assaf IS Arab Idol |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130711103948/http://mondoweiss.net/2013/06/remember-palestine-mohammed.html |archive-date=11 July 2013 |url-status=live |access-date=10 June 2024 |work=Mondoweiss |date=22 June 2013 |first=Annie |last=Robbins}}</ref> [[Lebanon]] and [[Jordan]], And when his professional career as an artist began after the title of [[Arab Idol]], he was accompanied by Awtar Band led by The [[Yacoub G. Al-Atrash|Maestro Yacoub Al-Atrash]] in [[Arabs|Arab]] and international festivals since then.<ref name="JacobAtrashRef">{{Cite web|url=https://sawtelghad.net/594?fbclid=IwAR2PseL6ji6hXa5CNPWBarU0Nyg-J9j1UflL6hQhwxvZX2A77NeyQThDmAk|script-title=ar:المايسترو يعقوب الأطرش من فلسطين إلى العالم |language=ar |website=Sawt el-Ghad |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20211120063249/https://sawtelghad.net/594 |archive-date=20 November 2021 |date=2 November 2021}}</ref>


===Performances in ''Arab Idol''===
===Performances in ''Arab Idol''===
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==International attention==
==International attention==
[[Image:מוחמד עסאף.jpg|thumb|Mohammed Assaf during the interview]]
[[Image:מוחמד עסאף.jpg|thumb|Mohammed Assaf during the interview, in 2014]]
Assaf has gained widespread popularity throughout the [[Arab world]] and among fellow Palestinians from the [[West Bank]], Gaza Strip and the [[Palestinian diaspora|diaspora]] through his performance of well-known Arabic love songs and patriotic hymns for the [[Palestinian cause]].<ref name="Guardian"/> Family members, neighbors and Palestinians in general have been waiting for his performance in Beirut every Friday night. Board member of Gaza Association for Culture and Arts Jamal Abu Qumsan stated Assaf "has struck a chord with Palestinians by singing classic Arabic songs that deal with issues other than war and struggle ... To many here, that kind of music offers them a sense of stability" amid constantly unstable circumstances due to the [[Israeli-Palestinian conflict|conflict with Israel]] and intra-Palestinian strife.<ref name="National">Naylor, Hugh. [http://www.thenational.ae/news/world/middle-east/mohammed-assafs-star-soars-as-the-voice-of-gaza-in-arab-idol Mohammed Assaf's star soars as the voice of Gaza in Arab Idol]. ''[[The National (Abu Dhabi)|The National]]''. 13 May 2013.</ref> Mohammed Assaf sang in English during one of the live shows of ''Arab Idol'', performing the song "[[I Want It That Way]]" by the [[Backstreet Boys]].<ref name="BBCKnell"/>
Assaf has gained widespread popularity throughout the [[Arab world]] and among fellow Palestinians from the [[West Bank]], Gaza Strip and the [[Palestinian diaspora|diaspora]] through his performance of well-known Arabic love songs and patriotic hymns for the [[Palestinian cause]].<ref name="Guardian"/> Family members, neighbors and Palestinians in general have been waiting for his performance in Beirut every Friday night. Board member of Gaza Association for Culture and Arts Jamal Abu Qumsan stated Assaf "has struck a chord with Palestinians by singing classic Arabic songs that deal with issues other than war and struggle ... To many here, that kind of music offers them a sense of stability" amid constantly unstable circumstances due to the [[Israeli-Palestinian conflict|conflict with Israel]] and intra-Palestinian strife.<ref name="National">{{cite web |author=Naylor, Hugh |url=http://www.thenational.ae/news/world/middle-east/mohammed-assafs-star-soars-as-the-voice-of-gaza-in-arab-idol |title=Mohammed Assaf's star soars as the voice of Gaza in Arab Idol |work=[[The National (Abu Dhabi)|The National]] |date=13 May 2013 |access-date=10 June 2024}}</ref> Mohammed Assaf sang in English during one of the live shows of ''Arab Idol'', performing the song "[[I Want It That Way]]" by the [[Backstreet Boys]].<ref name="BBCKnell"/>


The buzz Assaf created has reached the [[United States]], [[Europe]], and recently other parts of [[Asia]], due to articles posted by American-based news websites such as ''[[Wet Paint]]'', ''[[Voice of America]]'', ''[[12 News]]'', ''[[The Japan Times]]'', the [[CNN]] news website [[CNN International]], as well as European-based news sites such as Germany's ''[[Frankfurter Rundschau]]''. ''[[The Guardian]]'' published an article titled "Arab Idol favourite Mohammed Assaf carries hopes of Palestinians into final",.<ref>Sherwood, Harriet (21 June 2013) [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/jun/21/arab-idol-mohammed-assaf-palestine-gaza Arab Idol favourite Mohammed Assaf carries hopes of Palestinians into final | World news]. theguardian.com. Retrieved on 10 December 2013.</ref>Most sites emphasize his rough journey to reach where he is now and his appeal across languages.
The buzz Assaf created has reached the [[United States]], [[Europe]], and recently other parts of [[Asia]] due to articles posted by American-based news websites such as ''[[Wet Paint]]'', ''[[Voice of America]]'', ''[[The Japan Times]]'', the [[CNN]] news website [[CNN International]], as well as European-based news sites such as Germany's ''[[Frankfurter Rundschau]]''. ''[[The Guardian]]'' published an article titled "Arab Idol favourite Mohammed Assaf carries hopes of Palestinians into final".<ref>{{cite web |author=Sherwood, Harriet |date=21 June 2013 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/jun/21/arab-idol-mohammed-assaf-palestine-gaza |title=Arab Idol favourite Mohammed Assaf carries hopes of Palestinians into final |work=The Guardian |access-date=10 June 2024}}</ref>


Post his widely expected win, [[Al Jazeera English]] interviewed him in [[Doha|Doha, Qatar]], during his tour,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Safdar|first1=Anealla|title=Arab Idol winner: 'No-one will politicise me'|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2013/08/20138134222260693.html|accessdate=15 June 2014|publisher=Al Jazeera English|date=13 August 2013}}</ref> and dedicated an entire episode of the programme ''[[Inside Story (TV programme)|Inside Story]]'' detailing Assaf's journey through ''[[Arab Idol]]''. He was described as "the wedding singer from Gaza who was brought up in a refugee camp, to become an international star and a Palestinian hero."<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4BFglb4cqY Inside Story – The wedding singer from Gaza]. YouTube (24 June 2013). Retrieved on 10 December 2013.</ref>
Post his widely expected win, [[Al Jazeera English]] interviewed him in [[Doha|Doha, Qatar]], during his tour,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Safdar|first1=Anealla|title=Arab Idol winner: 'No-one will politicise me'|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2013/08/20138134222260693.html|accessdate=10 June 2024|publisher=Al Jazeera English|date=13 August 2013}}</ref> and dedicated an entire episode of the programme ''[[Inside Story (TV programme)|Inside Story]]'' detailing Assaf's journey through ''[[Arab Idol]]''. He was described as "the wedding singer from Gaza who was brought up in a refugee camp, to become an international star and a Palestinian hero."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4BFglb4cqY |title=Inside Story – The wedding singer from Gaza |website=YouTube |date=24 June 2013 |publisher=Al Jazeera English |access-date=10 June 2024}}</ref>


In May 2023, his 2015 Track 'Ana Dammi Falastini' (My Blood is Palestinian), was removed from Streaming Platforms [[Spotify]] and [[Apple Music]] which led to a huge public uproar online.<ref>{{Cite web |last=https://www.facebook.com/middleeasteye |title=Removal of Palestinian song from streaming platforms stirs debate |url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/discover/palestine-song-spotify-mohammed-assaf |access-date=2023-08-13 |website=Middle East Eye |language=en}}</ref> Assaf told [[The New Arab|The New Arab's]] Arabic-language site that he received an email from Spotify saying his song "Ana Dammi Falastini" was removed under the pretence of "inciting against Israel."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Why was Palestinian pride song removed from Spotify? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/5/24/why-was-a-palestinian-song-removed-from-spotify |access-date=2023-08-13 |website=www.aljazeera.com |language=en}}</ref> A Spotify representative responded to this with a statement regarding the deleted song: “The removal of some of Mohammed Assaf’s content was not determined by Spotify, but rather by the [[Distributor (music)|distributor]]. We anticipate its return in the near future and apologise for any inconvenience caused.”<ref>{{Cite web |last=Saeed |first=Saeed |date=2023-05-23 |title=Why was Mohammed Assaf’s song Dammi Falastini removed from Spotify? |url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/2023/05/23/why-was-mohammed-assafs-song-dammi-falastini-removed-from-spotify/ |access-date=2023-08-13 |website=The National |language=en}}</ref>The song was back on Spotify after a couple of days.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-23 |title='Dammi Falastini' song back on Spotify |url=https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/23/05/2023/dammi-falastini-song-back-on-spotify |access-date=2023-08-13 |website=thepeninsulaqatar.com |language=en}}</ref>
In May 2023, his 2015 Track 'Ana Dammi Falastini' (My Blood is Palestinian), was removed from Streaming Platforms [[Spotify]] and [[Apple Music]] which led to a huge public uproar online.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dammi Falastini: Removal of Palestinian song from streaming platforms stirs debate |url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/discover/palestine-song-spotify-mohammed-assaf |access-date=10 June 2024 |website=Middle East Eye |language=en |first=Mera |last=Aladam |date=22 May 2023}}</ref> Assaf told [[The New Arab|The New Arab's]] Arabic-language site that he received an email from Spotify saying his song "Ana Dammi Falastini" was removed under the pretence of "inciting against Israel."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Why was a Palestinian song removed from Spotify? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/5/24/why-was-a-palestinian-song-removed-from-spotify |access-date=10 June 2024 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en |date=24 May 2023}}</ref> A Spotify representative responded to this with a statement regarding the deleted song: “The removal of some of Mohammed Assaf’s content was not determined by Spotify, but rather by the [[Distributor (music)|distributor]]. We anticipate its return in the near future and apologise for any inconvenience caused.”<ref>{{Cite web |last=Saeed |first=Saeed |date=2023-05-23 |title=Why was Mohammed Assaf's song Dammi Falastini removed from Spotify? |url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/2023/05/23/why-was-mohammed-assafs-song-dammi-falastini-removed-from-spotify/ |access-date=10 June 2024 |website=The National |language=en}}</ref> The song was back on Spotify after a couple of days.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-23 |title='Dammi Falastini' song back on Spotify |url=https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/23/05/2023/dammi-falastini-song-back-on-spotify |access-date=10 June 2024 |website=The Peninsula |language=en |first=Mahmoud |last=Elmazaty}}</ref>


==Political impact==
==Political impact==
While Assaf has normally avoided politics on the show, he has stated "I can't differentiate between my art and my patriotic attitude." Assaf condemned the ongoing Israeli occupation of West Bank and the poor living conditions in the Gaza Strip. He also stated that [[Palestinian prisoners in Israel|Palestinian prisoner]] [[Samer Issawi]]'s long-term hunger strike protest had inspired him.<ref name="WPost">Booth, William. [https://web.archive.org/web/20130616165459/http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-05-27/world/39557968_1_mohammed-assaf-arab-idol-gaza-strip Singer from Gaza wants to be ‘Arab Idol’]. 27 May 2013.</ref> He frequently performed donning the checkered [[keffiyeh]] popularly associated with Palestinian nationalism.<ref name="Guardian"/>
While Assaf has normally avoided politics on the show, he has stated "I can't differentiate between my art and my patriotic attitude." Assaf condemned the ongoing Israeli occupation of West Bank and the poor living conditions in the Gaza Strip. He also stated that [[Palestinian prisoners in Israel|Palestinian prisoner]] [[Samer Issawi]]'s long-term hunger strike protest had inspired him.<ref name="WPost">{{cite web |author=Booth, William |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130616165459/http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-05-27/world/39557968_1_mohammed-assaf-arab-idol-gaza-strip |title=Singer from Gaza wants to be ‘Arab Idol’ |date=27 May 2013 |archive-date=16 June 2013 |url-status=live |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/singer-from-gaza-wants-to-be-arab-idol/2013/05/27/4b080ba4-c553-11e2-9642-a56177f1cdf7_story.html}}</ref> He frequently performed donning the checkered [[keffiyeh]] popularly associated with Palestinian nationalism.<ref name="Guardian"/>


He is highly popular in the Palestinian territories, where the ''[[Washington Post]]'' notes that the "streets of Gaza empty out" when the show goes on air on Fridays and Saturdays.<ref name="WPost"/> Throughout the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, large posters promoting Assaf have been hung on residences and shops.<ref name="Guardian"/> A source of pride, Assaf has been able to unite Palestinians' sympathies in a way that Palestinian political factions have not been able.<ref name="NPRHarris">Harris, Emily.[https://www.npr.org/blogs/parallels/2013/06/22/194704932/arab-idol-win-unites-palestinians-in-jubilant-celebration 'Arab Idol' Win Unites Palestinians In Jubilant Celebration]. ''[[NPR]].'' 22 June 2013.</ref>
He is highly popular in the Palestinian territories, where the ''[[Washington Post]]'' notes that the "streets of Gaza empty out" when the show goes on air on Fridays and Saturdays.<ref name="WPost"/> Throughout the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, large posters promoting Assaf have been hung on residences and shops.<ref name="Guardian"/> A source of pride, Assaf has been able to unite Palestinians' sympathies in a way that Palestinian political factions have not been able.<ref name="NPRHarris">{{cite web |author=Harris, Emily |url=https://www.npr.org/blogs/parallels/2013/06/22/194704932/arab-idol-win-unites-palestinians-in-jubilant-celebration |title='Arab Idol' Win Unites Palestinians In Jubilant Celebration |work=[[NPR]] |date=22 June 2013 |access-date=10 June 2024}}</ref>


Some Palestinian politicians have showed their support for the singer who has been creating a sense of unity among Palestinians, regardless of differing political beliefs. [[Salam Fayyad]], former [[Prime Minister of the Palestinian National Authority]], called on all Palestinians to support Assaf.<ref>Levy. Elior. [http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4379146,00.html Gazan contestant on Arab Idol unites Palestinian nation]. ''[[YNET]]''. 12 May 2013.</ref> Palestinian President [[Mahmoud Abbas]] had also called for Palestinians everywhere, including the [[Palestinian diaspora|diaspora]], to vote for Assaf.<ref name="BBCKnell">Knell, Yolande. [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-23012803 Palestinians back Mohammed Assaf to win Arab Idol final]. ''[[BBC News]]''. 22 June 2013.</ref> Assaf also won support from the late Palestinian leader [[Yasser Arafat]]'s daughter, Zahwa, who encouraged viewers to vote for him.
Some Palestinian politicians have showed their support for the singer who has been creating a sense of unity among Palestinians, regardless of differing political beliefs. [[Salam Fayyad]], former [[Prime Minister of the Palestinian National Authority]], called on all Palestinians to support Assaf.<ref>{{cite web |author=Levy, Elior |url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4379146,00.html |title=Gazan contestant on Arab Idol unites Palestinian nation |website=[[YNET]] |date=12 May 2013 |access-date=10 June 2024}}</ref> Palestinian President [[Mahmoud Abbas]] had also called for Palestinians everywhere, including the [[Palestinian diaspora|diaspora]], to vote for Assaf.<ref name="BBCKnell">{{cite web |author=Knell, Yolande |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-23012803 |title=Palestinians back Mohammed Assaf to win Arab Idol final |work=[[BBC News]] |date=22 June 2013 |access-date=10 June 2024}}</ref>


Although prior to his participation in ''Arab Idol'', Assaf stated he had been briefly detained by the security forces of the conservative [[Hamas]] party and paramilitary group—which maintains ''[[de facto]]'' control over Gaza—on over 20 different occasions in an effort to dissuade him from singing,<ref name="Guardian"/> the group has not suppressed Palestinian support for Assaf or viewership of the show.<ref name="WPost"/> Signalling a shift in attitude, a Gaza-based Hamas MP, Yahya Mousa, lauded Assaf and referred to him the "ambassador for Palestinian art."<ref>Barzak, Ibrahim. [https://news.yahoo.com/gaza-singer-gives-palestinians-reason-smile-130240629.html Gaza singer gives Palestinians a reason to smile]. ''[[Associated Press]]''. 22 June 2013.</ref>
Although prior to his participation in ''Arab Idol'', Assaf stated he had been briefly detained by the security forces of the conservative [[Hamas]] party and paramilitary group—which maintains ''[[de facto]]'' control over Gaza—on over 20 different occasions in an effort to dissuade him from singing,<ref name="Guardian"/> the group has not suppressed Palestinian support for Assaf or viewership of the show.<ref name="WPost"/> Signalling a shift in attitude, a Gaza-based Hamas MP, Yahya Mousa, lauded Assaf and referred to him the "ambassador for Palestinian art."<ref>{{cite web |author=Barzak, Ibrahim |url=https://news.yahoo.com/gaza-singer-gives-palestinians-reason-smile-130240629.html |title=Gaza singer gives Palestinians a reason to smile |publisher=[[Associated Press]] |website=Yahoo News |date=22 June 2013 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20130628074316/https://news.yahoo.com/gaza-singer-gives-palestinians-reason-smile-130240629.html |archive-date=28 June 2013}}</ref>


==Film ''The Idol''==
==Film ''The Idol''==
''[[The Idol (2015 film)|The Idol]]'' is a 2015 Palestinian [[drama film]] directed by [[Hany Abu-Assad]].<ref name="TIFF">{{cite web |url=http://tiff.net/festivals/festival15/specialpresentations/the-idol |title=The Idol |date=28 July 2015 |accessdate=28 July 2015 |work=TIFF |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150801011459/http://tiff.net/festivals/festival15/specialpresentations/the-idol |archive-date=1 August 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="variety">{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2015/film/news/hany-abu-assad-the-idol-sales-toronto-premiere-1201577712/ |title=Hany Abu-Assad's 'The Idol' Sees Strong Sales Ahead of Toronto Premiere |date=25 August 2015 |accessdate=25 August 2015 |work=Variety}}</ref> It was shown in the Special Presentations section of the [[2015 Toronto International Film Festival]].<ref name="ScreenDaily">{{cite web |url=http://www.screendaily.com/toronto-world-premieres-for-trumbo-demolition-the-program/5090990.article?blocktitle=LATEST-FILM-NEWS&contentID=40562# |title=Toronto to open with 'Demolition'; world premieres for 'Trumbo', 'The Program' |date=28 July 2015 |accessdate=28 July 2015 |work=ScreenDaily}}</ref> ''The Idol'' was partially filmed on location in [[Gaza Strip|Gaza]], the first feature film to be shot there in decades, with further filmings in [[Jenin]], [[Amman]], [[Beirut]] and [[Cairo]]. ''The Idol'' was produced in association with the [[Doha Film Institute]] and the support of the [[Netherlands Film Fund]].<ref name="Variety">{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2015/film/news/hany-abu-assad-the-idol-sales-toronto-premiere-1201577712/ |title=Hany Abu-Assad's 'The Idol' Sees Strong Sales Ahead of Toronto Premiere |date=25 August 2015 |accessdate=28 September 2015 |work=Variety}}</ref> the film was selected as the Palestinian entry for the [[Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film|Best Foreign Language Film]] at the [[89th Academy Awards]] but it was not nominated.<ref name="Palestine">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2016/09/oscars-palestine-the-idol-hany-abu-assad-foreign-language-submission-adopt-films-1201827345/|title=Oscars: Palestine Enters Hany Abu-Assad's 'The Idol' In Foreign Language Race|date=28 September 2016|accessdate=28 September 2016|first=Nancy |last=Tartaglione| work=Deadline}}</ref>
''[[The Idol (2015 film)|The Idol]]'' is a 2015 Palestinian [[drama film]] directed by [[Hany Abu-Assad]].<ref name="TIFF">{{cite web |url=http://tiff.net/festivals/festival15/specialpresentations/the-idol |title=The Idol |date=28 July 2015 |accessdate=28 July 2015 |work=TIFF |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150801011459/http://tiff.net/festivals/festival15/specialpresentations/the-idol |archive-date=1 August 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="variety">{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2015/film/news/hany-abu-assad-the-idol-sales-toronto-premiere-1201577712/ |title=Hany Abu-Assad's 'The Idol' Sees Strong Sales Ahead of Toronto Premiere |date=25 August 2015 |accessdate=10 June 2024 |first=Dave |last=McNary |work=Variety}}</ref> It was shown in the Special Presentations section of the [[2015 Toronto International Film Festival]].<ref name="ScreenDaily">{{cite web |url=http://www.screendaily.com/toronto-world-premieres-for-trumbo-demolition-the-program/5090990.article?blocktitle=LATEST-FILM-NEWS&contentID=40562# |title=Toronto to open with 'Demolition'; world premieres for 'Trumbo', 'The Program' |date=28 July 2015 |accessdate=10 June 2024 |first=Jeremy |last=Kay |work=ScreenDaily}}</ref> ''The Idol'' was partially filmed on location in [[Gaza Strip|Gaza]], the first feature film to be shot there in decades, with further filmings in [[Jenin]], [[Amman]], [[Beirut]] and [[Cairo]]. ''The Idol'' was produced in association with the [[Doha Film Institute]] and the support of the [[Netherlands Film Fund]].<ref name="variety"/> the film was selected as the Palestinian entry for the [[Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film|Best Foreign Language Film]] at the [[89th Academy Awards]] but it was not nominated.<ref name="Palestine">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2016/09/oscars-palestine-the-idol-hany-abu-assad-foreign-language-submission-adopt-films-1201827345/|title=Oscars: Palestine Enters Hany Abu-Assad's 'The Idol' In Foreign Language Race|date=28 September 2016|accessdate=10 June 2024|first=Nancy |last=Tartaglione| work=Deadline}}</ref>


==After ''Arab Idol''==
==After ''Arab Idol''==
Mohammed Assaf has enjoyed great pan-Arab and Arab diaspora popularity internationality engaging in many sold-out tours. He released a great number of music videos and in 2014, was invited to sing during [[FIFA World Cup]] celebrations with "Yalla Yalla". He has also released a number of highly successful collaborative singles. His massive 2017 hit "Baddek Enayah" (in [[Arabic language|Arabic]] بدّك عناية) features the Cuban reggaeton group [[Gente de Zona]]. Also in 2017, he released "Rani" as a bilingual Arabic and French duet with French Algerian [[raï]] singer [[Faudel]] and in 2018 collaborated with Lebanese-Canadian star [[Massari]] in the single "Roll with It".
Assaf has enjoyed pan-Arab and Arab diaspora popularity internationality engaging in sold-out tours. He released a number of music videos and in 2014, was invited to sing during [[FIFA World Cup]] celebrations with "Yalla Yalla". He has also released a number of collaborative singles. His 2017 hit "Baddek Enayah" (in [[Arabic language|Arabic]] بدّك عناية) features the Cuban reggaeton group [[Gente de Zona]]. Also in 2017, he released "Rani" as a bilingual Arabic and French duet with French Algerian [[raï]] singer [[Faudel]] and in 2018 collaborated with Lebanese-Canadian [[Massari]] in the single "Roll with It".{{citation needed|date=November 2023}}


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Assaf married the 28-year-old Reem Ouda in an intimate wedding on August 8, 2020. Only family and handful of friends attended. Ouda is a Palestinian-Danish woman who lived with her family in [[Saudi Arabia]] for a few years, before moving to [[Denmark]] after her father died.<ref name=arabnews>{{cite news|url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/1717516/lifestyle|title=Palestinian singer Mohammed Assaf ties the knot in intimate wedding|publisher=Arab News|date=10 August 2020|accessdate=1 September 2020}}</ref>
Assaf married the 28-year-old Reem Ouda in an intimate wedding on August 8, 2020. Only family and handful of friends attended. Ouda is a Palestinian-Danish woman who lived with her family in [[Saudi Arabia]] for a few years, before moving to [[Denmark]] after her father died.<ref name=arabnews>{{cite news|url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/1717516/lifestyle|title=Palestinian singer Mohammed Assaf ties the knot in intimate wedding|publisher=Arab News|date=10 August 2020|accessdate=10 June 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Saeed |first=Saeed |date=2020-08-10 |title=Palestinian singer Mohammed Assaf marries Reem Ouda in secret wedding |url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/music/palestinian-singer-mohammed-assaf-marries-reem-ouda-in-secret-wedding-1.1061773 |access-date=2023-08-16 |website=The National |language=en}}</ref>


==Discography==
==Discography==


===Albums===
===Albums===
* 2014: ''Assaf'' (in [[Arabic language|Arabic]] عساف)
* 2014: ''Assaf'' ({{langx|ar|عساف}})
* 2017: ''Ma Wahshnak'' (in [[Arabic language|Arabic]] ما وحشناك)
* 2017: ''Ma Wahshnak'' ({{langx|ar|ما وحشناك|links=no}})
* 2021: ''Qesas min Flistin'' ([[Arabic language|Arabic]] قصص من فلسطين)
* 2021: ''Qesas min Flistin'' ({{langx|ar|قصص من فلسطين|links=no}})


===Singles and music videos===
===Singles and music videos===
*2014: "Ya Halali Ya Mali" (in [[Arabic language|Arabic]] يا حلالي يا مالي)
*2014: "Ya Halali Ya Mali" ({{langx|ar|يا حلالي يا مالي|links=no}})
*2015: "Aywa Ha Ghanni" (in [[Arabic language|Arabic]] ايوه هغني)
*2015: "Aywa Ha Ghanni" ({{langx|ar|ايوه هغني|links=no}})
*2015: "Dammi Falastini" ({{langx|ar|دامي فلسطين|links=no}})
*2016: "Seyouf El Ezz" (in [[Arabic language|Arabic]] سيوف العز)
*2016: "Seyouf El Ezz" ({{langx|ar|سيوف العز|links=no}})
*2017: "Baddek Enayah" <small>(feat. [[Gente de Zona]])</small> (in [[Arabic language|Arabic]] بدّك عناية)
*2017: "Baddek Enayah" <small>(feat. [[Gente de Zona]])</small> ({{langx|ar|بدّك عناية|links=no}})
*2017: "Rani" <small>(with [[Faudel]])</small>
*2017: "Rani" <small>(with [[Faudel]])</small>
*2018: "Roll with It" <small>(with [[Massari]])</small>
*2018: "Roll with It" <small>(with [[Massari]])</small>
Line 114: Line 117:
*2021: "Mraytak"
*2021: "Mraytak"
*2021: "Al Hara"
*2021: "Al Hara"
*2021: "Bahrek Gaza"
*2021: "Bahrek Gaza" ({{langx|ar|بحرك غزة|links=no}})
*2021: "Salute to Al Quds"
*2021: "Salute to [[Al Quds]]"
*2021: "Ya Banat Bladna"
*2021: "Ya Banat Bladna" ({{langx|ar|يا بنات بلدنا|links=no}})
*2023: "Ben Jeddah"
*2023: "Ben Jeddah"
*2024: "Salam Lighaza" ( سلامُ لغزة)


==References==
==References==
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[[Category:1989 births]]
[[Category:1989 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
⚫
[[Category:Palestinian male singers]]
[[Category:People from the Gaza Strip]]
[[Category:People from Misrata]]
[[Category:People from Misrata]]
⚫
[[Category:Palestinian male singers]]
[[Category:21st-century Libyan male singers]]
[[Category:Arabic-language singers of Libya]]
[[Category:Arabic-language singers of Palestine]]
[[Category:Contestants from Arabic singing competitions]]
[[Category:Contestants from Arabic singing competitions]]
[[Category:Idols (TV series) winners]]
[[Category:Idols (TV series) winners]]

Latest revision as of 03:13, 1 November 2024

Mohammed Assaf
محمد عساف
Assaf in 2012
Born
Mohammad Jaber Abdul Rahman Assaf
محمد جبر عبدالرحمن عساف

(1990-09-01) 1 September 1990 (age 34)
Misrata, Libya
NationalityLibyan, Palestinian
Occupation
  • Singer
Years active2008–present
Known forWinner of the Arab Idol
Spouse
Reem Ouda
​
(m. 2020)​
Musical career
Genres
Instruments
Labels
  • Platinum Records Music
Websitemohammedassaf442.com[dead link‍]

Mohammad Jaber Abdul Rahman Assaf (Arabic: محمد جبر عبدالرحمن عساف; born 1 September 1990)[1] is a Palestinian pop singer well known for being the winner of the second season of Arab Idol, broadcast by the MBC network. His victory received worldwide coverage from the media and was welcomed with joy by Palestinians and the rest of the Arab world. In 2013, Assaf was named a goodwill ambassador for peace by The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). He was also named ambassador of culture and arts by the Palestinian government and was offered a position with "diplomatic standing" by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.[2] Assaf's story is the basis of the 2015 film The Idol, directed by Hany Abu-Assad. After Arab Idol, Assaf has gone on to enjoy huge popularity in the Arab World and the Arab diaspora and has released two albums and a great number of singles and collaborations. Most of his music is sung in the Iraqi and Gulf dialects.

Life

[edit]

Assaf was born in Misrata, Libya,[3] to Palestinian parents. The family of his mother Intisar, a mathematics teacher, hailed from the village of Bayt Daras and his father's family was from Beersheba, both of which areas were seized and depopulated by the nascent IDF in 1948.[4][5] He has five siblings. The family lived in Misrata until Assaf was four years old. Then they moved to the Khan Yunis Refugee Camp in Gaza, where he grew up with a middle class couple[clarify] and attended an UNRWA elementary school.[1]

Two of Assaf's siblings have also been involved in performing live music. Their mother stated that Assaf began singing at the age of five and "had a voice of someone who was much, much older."[6] Before his role on the television show he was attending Gaza City's Palestine University majoring in media and public relations.[6] Assaf did not have professional training as a singer; he started his career singing at weddings and other private events.[7] He entered the public view in 2000 during a popular local television program where he called in and sung a nationalist song to the host's praise. Afterward, he was frequently offered contracts with local record companies.[6] Sometime after his first performance, he sang in a local event in Gaza attended by the late Palestinian president Yasser Arafat.[8]

Arab Idol

[edit]

Mohammad Assaf travelled from Gaza Strip to Egypt to audition for Arab Idol. It took him two days to reach Egypt by car due to complications on the border. At the beginning, he had to convince the Egyptian security at the border crossing, where he was stuck for two days, to leave Gaza. Once he reached the hotel where the auditions were taking place, the doors were closed in which they did not accept anymore auditions so he jumped over the wall. After he jumped over the wall, he couldn't get a number to audition; he sat hopelessly in the hall where other contestants were waiting for their turn. He started singing to the contestants,[8] and a Palestinian contestant, Ramadan Abu Nahel,[9] who was waiting to audition heard him and gave him his number saying, "I know I won't reach the finals but you will."[8]

He was given the nickname Asaroukh ("The Rocket") by Lebanese singer and Arab Idol judge Ragheb Alama. Assaf was acclaimed by the jury and the public. His voice and appearance have drawn comparisons to Egyptian singer Abdel Halim Hafez, which has garnered Assaf both fame and controversy. Fans merged part of Hafez's name with Assaf's, as in Assaf Hilm Falastine ("Assaf Palestine’s Dream").[10] Assaf's final performance was his own song that was well known before his rise to fame, "Ali al-kuffiyeh" ("Raise The Kuffiyeh"), a Palestinian song that called on Palestinians to raise their kuffiyehs (a traditional Arab headdress that has become a Palestinian nationalist symbol) and to unite,[11] in light of the split between the two major Palestinian factions, Hamas and Fatah. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians had tuned in to watch his performance.[12] On 22 June, Assaf was declared the winner of Arab Idol, winning the most votes and coming ahead of two other competitors, Ahmed Gamal and Farah Youssef, from Egypt and Syria, respectively.[11][13] Massive celebrations by Palestinians ensued after the announcement of his victory, including festivities held on the streets of Gaza City, East Jerusalem,[11] Nablus,[14] Ramallah, Bethlehem, Khan Yunis, Nazareth,[15] Lebanon and Jordan, And when his professional career as an artist began after the title of Arab Idol, he was accompanied by Awtar Band led by The Maestro Yacoub Al-Atrash in Arab and international festivals since then.[16]

Performances in Arab Idol

[edit]
Performances during the auditions
Performances during the primes

International attention

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Mohammed Assaf during the interview, in 2014

Assaf has gained widespread popularity throughout the Arab world and among fellow Palestinians from the West Bank, Gaza Strip and the diaspora through his performance of well-known Arabic love songs and patriotic hymns for the Palestinian cause.[7] Family members, neighbors and Palestinians in general have been waiting for his performance in Beirut every Friday night. Board member of Gaza Association for Culture and Arts Jamal Abu Qumsan stated Assaf "has struck a chord with Palestinians by singing classic Arabic songs that deal with issues other than war and struggle ... To many here, that kind of music offers them a sense of stability" amid constantly unstable circumstances due to the conflict with Israel and intra-Palestinian strife.[6] Mohammed Assaf sang in English during one of the live shows of Arab Idol, performing the song "I Want It That Way" by the Backstreet Boys.[17]

The buzz Assaf created has reached the United States, Europe, and recently other parts of Asia due to articles posted by American-based news websites such as Wet Paint, Voice of America, The Japan Times, the CNN news website CNN International, as well as European-based news sites such as Germany's Frankfurter Rundschau. The Guardian published an article titled "Arab Idol favourite Mohammed Assaf carries hopes of Palestinians into final".[18]

Post his widely expected win, Al Jazeera English interviewed him in Doha, Qatar, during his tour,[19] and dedicated an entire episode of the programme Inside Story detailing Assaf's journey through Arab Idol. He was described as "the wedding singer from Gaza who was brought up in a refugee camp, to become an international star and a Palestinian hero."[20]

In May 2023, his 2015 Track 'Ana Dammi Falastini' (My Blood is Palestinian), was removed from Streaming Platforms Spotify and Apple Music which led to a huge public uproar online.[21] Assaf told The New Arab's Arabic-language site that he received an email from Spotify saying his song "Ana Dammi Falastini" was removed under the pretence of "inciting against Israel."[22] A Spotify representative responded to this with a statement regarding the deleted song: “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 apologise for any inconvenience caused.”[23] The song was back on Spotify after a couple of days.[24]

Political impact

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While Assaf has normally avoided politics on the show, he has stated "I can't differentiate between my art and my patriotic attitude." Assaf condemned the ongoing Israeli occupation of West Bank and the poor living conditions in the Gaza Strip. He also stated that Palestinian prisoner Samer Issawi's long-term hunger strike protest had inspired him.[25] He frequently performed donning the checkered keffiyeh popularly associated with Palestinian nationalism.[7]

He is highly popular in the Palestinian territories, where the Washington Post notes that the "streets of Gaza empty out" when the show goes on air on Fridays and Saturdays.[25] Throughout the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, large posters promoting Assaf have been hung on residences and shops.[7] A source of pride, Assaf has been able to unite Palestinians' sympathies in a way that Palestinian political factions have not been able.[9]

Some Palestinian politicians have showed their support for the singer who has been creating a sense of unity among Palestinians, regardless of differing political beliefs. Salam Fayyad, former Prime Minister of the Palestinian National Authority, called on all Palestinians to support Assaf.[26] Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas had also called for Palestinians everywhere, including the diaspora, to vote for Assaf.[17]

Although prior to his participation in Arab Idol, Assaf stated he had been briefly detained by the security forces of the conservative Hamas party and paramilitary group—which maintains de facto control over Gaza—on over 20 different occasions in an effort to dissuade him from singing,[7] the group has not suppressed Palestinian support for Assaf or viewership of the show.[25] Signalling a shift in attitude, a Gaza-based Hamas MP, Yahya Mousa, lauded Assaf and referred to him the "ambassador for Palestinian art."[27]

Film The Idol

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The Idol is a 2015 Palestinian drama film directed by Hany Abu-Assad.[28][29] It was shown in the Special Presentations section of the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival.[30] The Idol was partially filmed on location in Gaza, the first feature film to be shot there in decades, with further filmings in Jenin, Amman, Beirut and Cairo. The Idol was produced in association with the Doha Film Institute and the support of the Netherlands Film Fund.[29] the film was selected as the Palestinian entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 89th Academy Awards but it was not nominated.[31]

After Arab Idol

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Assaf has enjoyed pan-Arab and Arab diaspora popularity internationality engaging in sold-out tours. He released a number of music videos and in 2014, was invited to sing during FIFA World Cup celebrations with "Yalla Yalla". He has also released a number of collaborative singles. His 2017 hit "Baddek Enayah" (in Arabic بدّك عناية) features the Cuban reggaeton group Gente de Zona. Also in 2017, he released "Rani" as a bilingual Arabic and French duet with French Algerian raï singer Faudel and in 2018 collaborated with Lebanese-Canadian Massari in the single "Roll with It".[citation needed]

Personal life

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Assaf married the 28-year-old Reem Ouda in an intimate wedding on August 8, 2020. Only family and handful of friends attended. Ouda is a Palestinian-Danish woman who lived with her family in Saudi Arabia for a few years, before moving to Denmark after her father died.[32][33]

Discography

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Albums

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  • 2014: Assaf (Arabic: عساف)
  • 2017: Ma Wahshnak (Arabic: ما وحشناك)
  • 2021: Qesas min Flistin (Arabic: قصص من فلسطين)

Singles and music videos

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  • 2014: "Ya Halali Ya Mali" (Arabic: يا حلالي يا مالي)
  • 2015: "Aywa Ha Ghanni" (Arabic: ايوه هغني)
  • 2015: "Dammi Falastini" (Arabic: دامي فلسطين)
  • 2016: "Seyouf El Ezz" (Arabic: سيوف العز)
  • 2017: "Baddek Enayah" (feat. Gente de Zona) (Arabic: بدّك عناية)
  • 2017: "Rani" (with Faudel)
  • 2018: "Roll with It" (with Massari)
  • 2019: "Kermalak Enta"
  • 2020: "Shhalhalawa"
  • 2020: "Dalaa Dalouna"
  • 2020: "Salam Allah"
  • 2020: "Filastin 'int alruwh"
  • 2020: "Al Hayat"
  • 2021: "Mraytak"
  • 2021: "Al Hara"
  • 2021: "Bahrek Gaza" (Arabic: بحرك غزة)
  • 2021: "Salute to Al Quds"
  • 2021: "Ya Banat Bladna" (Arabic: يا بنات بلدنا)
  • 2023: "Ben Jeddah"
  • 2024: "Salam Lighaza" ( سلامُ لغزة)

References

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  1. ^ a b "عائلة مشترك Arab Idol محمد عساف:فوزه فخر لفلسطين | مجلة سيدتي". www.sayidaty.net. 24 May 2013. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  2. ^ "A Palestinian hero is born: Mohammed Assaf crowned 'Arab Idol'". alarabiya.net. 23 June 2013. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  3. ^ "Palestinian public hails local hero of Arab Idol". Ma'an News Agency. 2 June 2013. Archived from the original on 3 November 2014.
  4. ^ Morris, Benny (2004). The Birth of the Palestinian Refugee Problem Revisited. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0-521-00967-7.
  5. ^ Hass, Amira (23 June 2013). "A Palestinian hero is born: Gaza's Mohammed Assaf wins Arab Idol". Haaretz. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  6. ^ a b c d Naylor, Hugh (13 May 2013). "Mohammed Assaf's star soars as the voice of Gaza in Arab Idol". The National. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  7. ^ a b c d e Sherwood, Harriet (26 May 2013). "Gaza refugee tipped to win Arab Idol". The Guardian. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  8. ^ a b c Zayid, Maysoon (22 May 2013). "The Next Arab Idol: Palestine's Boy Wonder and Stereotype Buster". The Daily Beast. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  9. ^ a b Harris, Emily (22 June 2013). "'Arab Idol' Win Unites Palestinians In Jubilant Celebration". NPR. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  10. ^ Kuttab, Daoud (26 May 2013). "Mohammed Assaf Carries Palestinian Hopes". Al-Monitor. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  11. ^ a b c "Gaza singer Mohammed Assaf wins Arab Idol contest". BBC News. 22 June 2013. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  12. ^ "Hundreds of thousands watch Assaf perform". Ma'an News Agency. 22 June 2013. Archived from the original on 13 December 2013.
  13. ^ Abu Alouf, Rushdi; Abukhater, Maher (22 June 2013). "Palestinian from Gaza camp wins 'Arab Idol'". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  14. ^ "Gaza singer gives Palestinians a reason to smile". Newstimes. Archived from the original on 24 June 2013. Photo by Nasser Ishtayeh
  15. ^ Robbins, Annie (22 June 2013). "UPDATE: Mohammed Assaf IS Arab Idol". Mondoweiss. Archived from the original on 11 July 2013. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  16. ^ المايسترو يعقوب الأطرش من فلسطين إلى العالم. Sawt el-Ghad (in Arabic). 2 November 2021. Archived from the original on 20 November 2021.
  17. ^ a b Knell, Yolande (22 June 2013). "Palestinians back Mohammed Assaf to win Arab Idol final". BBC News. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  18. ^ Sherwood, Harriet (21 June 2013). "Arab Idol favourite Mohammed Assaf carries hopes of Palestinians into final". The Guardian. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  19. ^ Safdar, Anealla (13 August 2013). "Arab Idol winner: 'No-one will politicise me'". Al Jazeera English. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  20. ^ "Inside Story – The wedding singer from Gaza". YouTube. Al Jazeera English. 24 June 2013. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  21. ^ Aladam, Mera (22 May 2023). "Dammi Falastini: Removal of Palestinian song from streaming platforms stirs debate". Middle East Eye. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  22. ^ "Why was a Palestinian song removed from Spotify?". Al Jazeera. 24 May 2023. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  23. ^ Saeed, Saeed (23 May 2023). "Why was Mohammed Assaf's song Dammi Falastini removed from Spotify?". The National. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  24. ^ Elmazaty, Mahmoud (23 May 2023). "'Dammi Falastini' song back on Spotify". The Peninsula. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  25. ^ a b c Booth, William (27 May 2013). "Singer from Gaza wants to be 'Arab Idol'". Archived from the original on 16 June 2013.
  26. ^ Levy, Elior (12 May 2013). "Gazan contestant on Arab Idol unites Palestinian nation". YNET. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  27. ^ Barzak, Ibrahim (22 June 2013). "Gaza singer gives Palestinians a reason to smile". Yahoo News. Associated Press. Archived from the original on 28 June 2013.
  28. ^ "The Idol". TIFF. 28 July 2015. Archived from the original on 1 August 2015. Retrieved 28 July 2015.
  29. ^ a b McNary, Dave (25 August 2015). "Hany Abu-Assad's 'The Idol' Sees Strong Sales Ahead of Toronto Premiere". Variety. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  30. ^ Kay, Jeremy (28 July 2015). "Toronto to open with 'Demolition'; world premieres for 'Trumbo', 'The Program'". ScreenDaily. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  31. ^ Tartaglione, Nancy (28 September 2016). "Oscars: Palestine Enters Hany Abu-Assad's 'The Idol' In Foreign Language Race". Deadline. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  32. ^ "Palestinian singer Mohammed Assaf ties the knot in intimate wedding". Arab News. 10 August 2020. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  33. ^ Saeed, Saeed (10 August 2020). "Palestinian singer Mohammed Assaf marries Reem Ouda in secret wedding". The National. Retrieved 16 August 2023.
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