Mia Khoirunisa
In a landscape marked by persistent violence and the looming specter of cultural erasure, the underground music community in Lebanon is proving to be a potent force for both artistic expression and tangible humanitarian aid. High Hats Community’s latest compilation serves not only as an in-depth exploration of Lebanon’s vibrant breaks, breakcore, and experimental electronic music scene but also as a crucial lifeline, channeling support towards vital community kitchen initiatives that are bringing together diverse migrant populations. This initiative underscores a powerful synergy between artistic resilience and grassroots solidarity, providing a much-needed platform for marginalized voices and essential relief in a region facing unprecedented challenges.
The Sound of Resilience: A Deep Dive into Lebanon’s Underground Music
High Hats Community, self-described as "the sewers of the musical spectrum," has curated a compilation that offers a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the cutting edge of Lebanon’s bass music, breaks, breakcore, and drum and bass genres. The "Lebanon Fundraiser VA" brings together a formidable lineup of artists from the Lebanese underground, complemented by international allies who share a commitment to pushing sonic boundaries. This collection can be viewed as a potent counterpart to more concert-oriented compilations, such as the one recently highlighted from Tunefork and the Beirut Synthesizer Center, though significant overlap in personnel and shared causes remains a unifying thread.
The compilation, available on Bandcamp, represents a deliberate act of defiance against the silencing effects of crisis. While many artists may find their creative output curtailed during periods of intense instability, the individuals featured in this release exemplify the enduring power of music as a form of expression and advocacy. The underground electronic music scene in Lebanon, often operating outside the mainstream’s gaze, has long deserved greater recognition. Unlike artists in major Western capitals, Lebanese musicians often face significant hurdles in terms of freedom of movement and access to international platforms, leading to a disproportionate lack of global coverage for their innovative work. This compilation aims to rectify that oversight, offering a vital window into a scene that has been producing compelling and urgent music despite considerable external pressures.
A standout figure in this movement is Chiri Shoukair, also known as Cherry Chills. Her dedication extends beyond her captivating musical productions to active organizational efforts for Em Mohammed’s community kitchen in Karantina, a northeastern district of Beirut. Shoukair’s music is characterized by its dreamy and extraordinary quality, demonstrating that artistic expression can transcend mere entertainment, serving instead as a profound commentary and a source of comfort and inspiration. Her contributions to the compilation, which extend beyond pure breaks to encompass a broader spectrum of experimental sounds, highlight her multifaceted engagement with the scene. Furthermore, her work as a DJ, including mixes for the Palestine-based Radio Alhara, demonstrates her commitment to fostering connections and amplifying voices within the region’s artistic and activist networks.
The act of purchasing the "Lebanon Fundraiser VA" compilation directly supports these crucial initiatives. With Bandcamp Fridays, dedicated days where the platform waives its revenue share, providing an enhanced opportunity for artists and organizations to maximize their earnings, this release offers a timely and impactful way for listeners to contribute. However, for those unable to make a financial contribution, the act of sharing the music and spreading awareness remains an invaluable form of support. In an era dominated by social media, a return to person-to-person advocacy can be remarkably effective. The author’s call for other media outlets to "steal my stories" underscores a plea for broader amplification of these critical narratives, emphasizing that collective attention is essential for sustaining these efforts.
Beyond the Beats: Community Kitchens as Pillars of Support
The "Lebanon Fundraiser VA" is inextricably linked to the vital work of community kitchens, which have become indispensable hubs of relief and solidarity. The Shoukhair family, deeply involved in the compilation’s organization, is actively collecting donations to provide Lebanese families with essential supplies, including food, blankets, hygiene products, and other necessities. For individuals outside Lebanon, direct financial contributions represent the most impactful way to support these efforts. A dedicated Donorbox campaign, "Help forcefully displaced families in Lebanon," serves as the primary channel for such donations.
The fundraiser for High Hats Community, managed by the Shoukhair family, directly supports initiatives like Em Mohammed’s kitchen. This community-based effort, much like the Nation Station project previously highlighted, emerged in the wake of the devastating Beirut port blast in August 2020. It has since been revitalized and expanded to address the escalating humanitarian needs arising from ongoing conflicts and forced displacements in the region. These kitchens operate as vital safety nets, providing sustenance and a sense of community to those most affected by the ongoing crises.
A deeper understanding of the cultural context surrounding food preservation in Lebanon adds another layer to the significance of these community kitchens. The traditional practice of "mouneh," a method of preserving food for leaner times, is deeply ingrained in Lebanese culture. While often reduced in popular perception to a mere condiment, mouneh represents a profound connection to heritage and self-sufficiency. The current threats of occupation and obliteration in southern Lebanon, particularly in areas like Bint Jbeil, highlight the existential stakes involved in preserving not just food, but also cultural identity and human dignity. The community kitchens, in this context, are not merely distributing food; they are actively working to sustain traditions and bolster resilience in the face of existential threats.
The kitchens themselves are vibrant examples of multicultural cooperation. Amidst the preparation of traditional Lebanese dishes, one might find enormous pots of Nigerian jollof rice being cooked alongside Sri Lankan chefs collaborating with Sudanese women on curry chicken. This culinary tapestry reflects the diverse migrant communities that have found refuge and solidarity in Lebanon. Stories reported by Jasmin Lilian Diab and Sonia Caballero Pradas, with photography by Sonia Caballero Pradas, offer compelling narratives of these kitchens, showcasing how food becomes a powerful tool for cultural exchange and mutual support. The Al Rawiya website, a crucial resource for information on these initiatives, also provides valuable content, including recipes for dishes like mansaf, further bridging the gap between culinary appreciation and humanitarian action.
Al Rawiya has consistently been at the forefront of documenting Lebanese and migrant-led relief efforts. Their tireless work has culminated in the compilation of the most comprehensive database of current relief efforts, serving as an indispensable guide for those seeking to contribute. The publication’s dedication to highlighting the "subtle power of migrant kitchens" underscores the crucial role these spaces play in fostering social cohesion and providing essential support systems. The inherent connection between food and music, often overlooked, is brought to the fore by these initiatives, suggesting a holistic approach to addressing multifaceted crises.
Broader Implications: Advocacy, Policy, and Global Solidarity
While music and direct aid are vital, the long-term resolution of the crises facing Lebanon requires broader political and international action. The author acknowledges that these efforts, while significant, are not a panacea. For citizens of the United States, engaging with elected officials is a crucial step. Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, a Detroit native and Palestinian-American, has introduced several resolutions aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict and its devastating impact on Lebanon. These legislative efforts, particularly those seeking to block U.S. support for Israeli military actions in Lebanon, represent a critical avenue for policy change. The potential for bipartisan support, as noted by Common Dreams, underscores the importance of constituent engagement in shaping foreign policy.
In the United Kingdom and Europe, advocating for increased media attention is paramount. Organizations like Newscord’s Bias Tracker and local German media initiatives such as de.press.media provide resources for understanding and challenging media narratives, encouraging more comprehensive and critical reporting on the situation in Lebanon.
The "Lebanon Fundraiser VA" compilation, along with direct donations to organizations like the one facilitated by Donorbox, represents a tangible way for individuals to contribute to immediate relief. However, sustained advocacy and a commitment to addressing the root causes of the ongoing instability are equally essential. The convergence of artistic expression and humanitarian action, as exemplified by High Hats Community and the network of support they champion, offers a powerful model for resilience and solidarity in the face of profound challenges. This initiative serves as a potent reminder that even in the darkest of times, creativity and compassion can forge pathways toward hope and sustained human connection.
