While mindlessly scrolling through Instagram, I stumbled upon the teaser for a song titled Harrir Aqlak/Asli Ana (Free Your Mind). Performed by a young Palestinian-Jordanian singer, Zeyne, the teaser alone had me captivated.
The stunning visuals and meticulous fashion immediately caught my attention. Shortly after, I watched the full music video on YouTube, which exceeded every expectation.
As a Palestinian-Jordanian, I am interested in cultural productions, particularly those that amplify Palestinian voices.
Jordan is home to the largest Palestinian population in the world, and despite the global limitations on Palestinian expression, Jordan provides an impressive platform for Palestinian art and culture.
Asli Ana feels like a culmination of this space, a vibrant expression of identity, history, and resistance.
A deep dive into the lyrics
The lyrics of Asli Ana are a powerful exploration of decolonial themes. They challenge the Western concept of “civilisation,” exposing how it has historically been weaponised to oppress, displace, and erase.
Zeyne confronts the long-standing colonial narrative, highlighting how it justified the theft of our lands, the erasure of our culture, and the distortion of our history.
The song doesn’t stop at critique; it pushes us to question our internalised colonial norms, even in subtle aspects like dress and self-presentation.
The line, “Record, I am an Arab, and I know my origin” moved me to tears. It is a poignant reminder of the resilience required to preserve our identity after decades of diaspora and displacement.
Through poetic verses, Zeyne masterfully encapsulates the struggle to maintain our heritage while navigating a world that constantly demands assimilation.
The music and choreography: A tribute to Palestinian folklore
The music and choreography in this piece pay a profound tribute to Palestinian folklore, blending tradition with modernity in a seamless and evocative manner.
The musical composition is rich and deliberate, infused with instruments and melodies from Palestinian heritage, creating a nostalgic yet innovative arrangement that bridges the past with the present.
This authenticity underscores the resilience and ongoing relevance of Palestinian cultural traditions. Similarly, the choreography fuses traditional dabke with contemporary movements, capturing the essence of cultural continuity and evolution.
Performed with pride and precision, the dancers reflect the collective spirit of Palestinian resilience, reinforcing the song’s themes through visual storytelling that remains true to authentic cultural expression without leaning on Western pop aesthetics.
Together, the music and choreography create a soundscape and visual narrative that are distinctly Palestinian while resonating universally.
Fashion: Palestinian extravaganza
The fashion in the video is simply breathtaking, nothing short of a Palestinian extravaganza. Each outfit is a celebration of traditional Palestinian embroidery, or tatreez, elevated with a modern flair.
From dresses adorned with intricate patterns to statement earrings and regal headpieces, the costumes are a visual feast.
Zeyne also incorporates traditionally male garments, styled in bold, unconventional ways, further breaking stereotypes and reclaiming cultural narratives.
Perhaps the most poignant symbol is the Palestinian key, a recurring motif in the video. Representing the right of return and the homes lost during the Nakba, the key is woven into the fashion in innovative ways, reminding us of the enduring hope for justice and reclamation.
Visuals: A masterpiece of storytelling
The music video is a visual masterpiece, set against the backdrop of Amman city, whose architecture closely mirrors that of Palestinian towns and cities, along with scenes from refugee camps in Jordan.
These carefully chosen locations bridge the shared history and experiences of Jordanians and Palestinians, evoking a profound sense of familiarity and belonging.
The cinematography steers clear of Western pop music video clichés, instead offering a narrative deeply rooted in Palestinian aesthetics.
Moments such as the gathering around a dinner table, flipping the traditional Palestinian dish Maqloubeh, and boys running through orange fields evoke vivid imagery reminiscent of Ghassan Kanafani’s novel, The Land of Sad Oranges.
Each frame is crafted with intention, celebrating the beauty, strength, and resilience of Palestinian culture.
Why this matters
Asli Ana is more than a song; it is a bold and necessary narrative for Palestinians. The fusion of music, lyrics, visuals, and fashion creates a multidimensional expression of identity and resistance.
At its core, the song is a reflection of our stories, stories that have long been suppressed or deliberately distorted through disinformation.
In a world where Palestinians often fight for the right to simply exist, Zeyne’s work is a reminder of the richness of our culture and the strength of our people. It is a call to embrace our heritage unapologetically and to continue telling our stories, no matter how many obstacles stand in our way.
Zeyne’s Asli Ana is not just a celebration of Palestinian excellence; it is a reclamation of our narrative and a gift to anyone willing to listen, see, and feel.
For those of us longing to stay connected to our roots, this song is a lifeline, a vibrant, unapologetic declaration that we are here, and we will not be erased.
Triumph of cultural expression
From the poignant lyrics and authentic music to the dazzling visuals and powerful fashion, Asli Ana is a triumph of cultural expression.
It stands as a testament to the resilience, creativity, and strength of Palestinians.
Zeyne’s masterpiece serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, our art and identity will continue to shine.
Hasan Kilani is an activist and writer on queer feminist politics in the Middle East
Follow him on X: @HasanAmman
