IN CONVERSATION WITH SAMA’ ABDULHADI
interview by TIMI LETONJA
words by MAGDALENA ROE
Numéro Netherlands presents Sama’ Abdulhadi, captured by Daniel Sars in Amsterdam and featured in our Odyssey issue. Her journey is as captivating as her sound. From her roots in Palestine to her transformative time in Lebanon, Sama’s music reflects resilience and unity. Through her label, Union Collective, she’s shaping the future of electronic music by building a community grounded in creative expression and mutual support. On October 16, she brought this spirit to our 5th-anniversary event, making it a night to remember.
What were your early musical influences in Ramallah and how did they shape your sound?
My early influences were mainly rap and hip-hop. In fact, some of the first Arab rappers, like Tamer Nafar and the DAM group, came from Palestine, and I was really drawn to that scene. But when I moved to Lebanon, everything changed. Until then, I had never really been exposed to electronic music. I was still deeply into listening to rap and going to concerts until then someone took me to an event where I heard synthesizers for the first time. That experience was life-changing. I didn’t understand the sound at first, but I knew I had to learn everything about it.
How did your upbringing in Palestine and Lebanon influence your musical style and career path?
The heavy use of percussion and rhythmic cuts in my sound comes from the traditional Arab music I grew up with. As for my mixing technique, it’s heavily influenced by the way DJs mix in Lebanon. It’s about the use of the equalizer, precise beat matching, and the layering of melodies. I didn’t realize how distinct this style was until I left Lebanon and started playing in Europe. I noticed that DJs there mixed very differently, and that’s when I understood that my approach was very much rooted in the Lebanese scene. It almost comes naturally for Lebanese DJs, even those just starting—they might not fully understand the technicalities, but they just know when to bring up the fader or adjust the equalizer and that’s something I’ve carried with me in my own sets.
What did growing up in Palestine and discovering electronic music in the Arab world teach you?
Discovering electronic music in the Arab world gave me a sense of freedom I had never known—a space where I could just be myself without thinking about anything else. That’s what drew me to DJing: for the first time, I wasn’t angry, mad, or overwhelmed by everything around me. I’d go to events, drink only water, and stay sober because I didn’t want to miss a single beat. 2adness — but still share the same rhythm, and that was incredibly liberating. ‘My friends back home need this space; it’s like therapy.’ Coming out of the Intifada and years of curfews, we were all so closed up. That’s why I started DJing, but only in Palestine — I felt my friends needed this outlet more than anyone else. I never tried to DJ in Lebanon because their scene already had that freedom; I’d go there to experience it and then bring it back home, where it felt most needed.
top and shoes FILLING PIECES
jeans CALVIN KLEIN
What is a record that reminds you of home?
Extrawelt - “Mit Liese Auf Der Wiese” - Max Cooper Remix
In 2020, you were detained while recording a music stream to promote Palestinian heritage sites and local talent. How did this experience affect you personally and professionally?
First of all, it woke me up from the bubble I was living in. We thought people understood who we were and what we were doing, but in reality, we were operating within a very small circle. This experience opened up a conversation that wouldn’t have happened otherwise. When techno is introduced in any country, there’s often backlash, but what stood out to me was how quickly this conversation evolved and wrapped up within just eight days. On a personal level, it brought me closer to the Palestinian community. Initially, I was expecting a lot of criticism and hate, and I did receive some. But after I was released, many of those who had judged me came forward to apologize — to me and my family—for their prejudgments. That acceptance from my own people was really meaningful. It made me feel more connected to my roots and reinforced my commitment to continue sharing our culture through music.
What changes have you seen since then?
A lot has changed for the better. Now, if I organize an event in Palestine, I attract four times the number of attendees I used to. The support we receive is incredible and comes from people in different cities. The barriers set up by Israel after the Intifada created physical and social divisions between us—walls and empty spaces designed to keep Palestinians disconnected from one another. Traveling to different cities and connecting with others was incredibly difficult. However, this experience has actually brought us back together in a meaningful way. We’ve built a strong community that thrives without needing to physically meet up all the time. Our events have become a safe space where we don’t need security, bouncers, or tickets. For a few hours, we create a haven where we can just be together and enjoy the moment until we’re asked to go home. It’s a special feeling, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to see how our community has grown and come together despite the challenges.
What advice would you give young Palestinian DJs, producers and creatives in the industry to overcome challenges that they may face.
My advice is to stay persistent, resilient and stubborn. Khalili - what we would say.
People see you as one of the pioneers who brought techno to Palestine. What legacy do you hope to leave in the music industry, both back home and internationally?
Honestly, I’ve never really thought about leaving a legacy—it’s funny to imagine myself in a history book. For me, it’s always been about the quality of the work, the movement, and staying true to the sound. In the Arab world, finding the right music and perfecting the craft is essential to me. Internationally, my hope is to be the one who represents freedom in Palestine. That’s been my driving force since I was a kid. I’ve always wanted to fight for freedom, which is why my parents pushed me to study abroad—they were worried that staying in Palestine would be too dangerous for someone like me who can’t stay quiet. But still, my one-two passion always remains home.
TEAM CREDITS:
photography DANIEL SARS
interview TIMI LETONJA
words MAGDALENA ROE
styling MARIE-PAULINE CESARI
styling assistant DIAMONIQUE OSEANA
makeup & hair ANH NGUYAEN
