Saint Levant: DEIRA AMID DECEMBER DOWNPOUR with Lina Makoul

On December 11th, 2024, Palestinian music sensation Saint Levant headlined his highly anticipated tour alongside Lina Makoul at the House of Blues in Boston. The night faced challenges as major flooding and torrential downpours swept through the city, but that didn’t deter fans. Many poured into the venue, which was well-acclimated to the conditions, creating an atmosphere of warmth and resilience. Despite the full house, the space never felt overcrowded, and attendees maintained high spirits, ready to be swept away by the music.

For me, Saint Levant has been a casual listen over the last three years. While he hasn’t consistently topped my playlist, his music has always resonated in some capacity. Recently, however, my curiosity has grown. With the weight of global events over the past year, I’ve found myself reflecting more on how art evolves in response to the world around us. Music, especially, is a powerful medium of expression and storytelling, and I was eager to see how these themes would unfold during the performance. The night felt like more than a concert—it was an opportunity to witness how Saint Levant and Lina Makoul are shaping and reflecting their world through their artistry.

Lina Makoul, a newly independent Palestinian singer, brought a raw and honest energy to the stage as she opened the night. Known for being vocal about the ongoing events in Palestine, she shared her personal struggles with the audience, discussing the challenges of expressing herself freely while balancing her passion for music. She spoke of the emotional dissonance she feels—pursuing art that sustains her soul while grappling with the seeming frivolity of it in the face of the profound hardships her people endure.

While Lina is still considered a smaller artist, there’s no doubt that she’s on the rise. Her vocal talents are undeniable, her melodies striking, and her stage presence magnetic. But beyond that, she possesses something truly special—an ability to captivate an audience in a way that hints at real star power. It’s a quality that’s hard to define yet impossible to ignore.

I’ve always said that being the opener is one of the toughest roles in any show. The task of setting the tone for the evening while winning over an audience that may not know you is no small feat. Yet, Lina rose to the challenge, leaving an indelible impression and setting a strong foundation for the night ahead.

Saint Levant kept the energy of the night alive and thriving, performing a compelling setlist from his latest album, Deira. While many of his earlier tracks delve into his heritage, weaving deeply personal and existential themes, this performance took a sharper turn, focusing explicitly on the plight of Palestine. Each track was a bold critique of the injustices inflicted on the Palestinian people, highlighting the terror they endure daily, the relentless censorship of their voices, and the expulsion of those who dare to speak up and advocate for their rights.

With a talented live band behind him, Saint Levant’s performance transcended the limits of a traditional concert. His use of MiMu gloves—a cutting-edge tool for musical expression—allowed him to create soundscapes that were as innovative as they were impactful. This added a refreshing and dynamic element to his performance, elevating his ability to communicate raw emotion through music.

Despite the simplicity of the House of Blues as a venue, Saint Levant’s creativity shone through, proving that you don’t need a massive stage production to make a powerful impact. His ability to adapt and innovate within those confines left the audience not just entertained, but deeply moved and inspired.

The themes of community and resistance resonated deeply throughout the night, making the concert feel like more than just a musical performance—it was a collective experience, a celebration of solidarity and strength. I couldn’t help but appreciate the immense effort that went into making the night so memorable. From the performers to the stagehands, the set and light crew, and even the venue staff, it was clear that every person involved contributed to creating a seamless and impactful experience.

The ambience was nothing short of remarkable, a testament to the power of teamwork and shared purpose. The House of Blues transformed into a space where music and message intertwined, fostering a sense of unity that extended beyond the stage.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this tour as a must-see for anyone who values not only incredible music but also the stories and emotions it carries. It was a significant night for global music, showcasing the power of art to inspire, advocate, and unite. Saint Levant and Lina Makoul delivered a performance that was both moving and unforgettable, a true testament to the transformative power of music on the global stage.