Palestinian singer Ruba Shamshoum on Grand Junction's Elixir Festival, her cultural roots and the inspiration behind her music

We spoke to singer Ruba Shamshoum about her upcoming opening performance at Grand Junction's Elixir Festival, her distinctive sound and the inspiration behind her music. 

What can audiences expect from your performance at Elixir Festival?

They can expect a collection of my songs gathered from both albums and beyond, and a couple of covers that are resonating with me at this time. This performance is a gathering, a place to be together where the sound of lies and distorted reality has no place, only love, truth and unity. It is dedicated entirely to our beloved Gaza and to Palestine - all the songs were chosen to give love and respect in this overwhelming darkness. 

Can you tell us about the themes and inspirations behind your albums Shamat and Risha?

My songs have a recurring theme of searching for safety and belonging in a world that has abandoned the truth, and turning to nature to look for that lost truth. I had to look inwards for beauty and meaning in order to make sense of the chaos that has always resided outside. Both albums are a cry for similar spirited people to find me, where we can find home in each other wherever we are in the world, and know that we are not alone.

As a Palestinian singer, how do your cultural roots influence your music, both in terms of musical style and lyrical content?

My beautiful grandmother Hana - (Bliss in Arabic), may her soul rest in peace - was Palestine for me. I was lucky to have her, she was a free soul, a powerful woman, she sang in a choir in the 50s under military occupation, about freedom, about the land, about community, and I was lucky to watch the choir reunion a decade ago, and watch her sing her heart out on stage. She taught me the power of song; in that songs were used as secret code to free political prisoners from occupation prisons, in that you sing with your head held high and your voice echoing until your last breath, in that stories and repetition is fundamental, because we can not forget and we will not forget.  Her stories, her teachings, and her memory live on in all of my artistic expressions. Through her, I had a window to what a free Palestine was, how it smelled and tasted like through her food, and what it sounded like through her echoing voice. I will be forever grateful. 

Could you share how you approach vocal expression and the techniques you use to achieve your distinctive sound?

I'm influenced by many genres that I have sung or absorbed throughout the years (from jazz, to Arabic singing, to French chansons to folk music and much more), and I let all of that infuse into whatever I want to manifest at that moment. 

How do collaborations with other artists enhance your live shows, and what do each of these musicians bring to your performances? 

I'll be accompanied by: Nina Harries - double bass and backing vocals , Nuno Brito - drums and percussion and Tom Sochas - keyboard and synth. Each of these instruments has a purpose in this gathering. Nina's breathtaking backing vocals add to the ethereal and mystical element of the music, and her double bass adds grounding and warmth, Tom on keyboard contributes so much colour and dimension with his harmony and improvisation, and Nuno's drums is my backbone - always there to give support and life to every piece. 

Elixir Festival takes place 12th April - 2nd May, celebrating Arabic artworks culturally resonant for local communities and wider London audiences.  Hosted in the Grade 1 listed Grand Junction at St Mary Magdalene’s in Paddington, Elixir Festival will present a rich programme of theatre, music, workshops, and food created by contemporary artists from the Middle East, North Africa, and Anatolia. 

More information and how to book tickets here: https://grandjunction.org.uk/elixir-festival-at-grand-junction/