Photo credit: Izaac Cole / CC from 2.0
Spotify issued a statement after the patriotic Palestinian song “Ana Dammi Falastini” (My Blood Is Palestinian) was removed from streaming services.
Palestinian singer Mohammed Assaf’s song disappeared from music streaming services including Spotify, Apple Music and Deezer. The disappearance sparked debate among fans online, with many accusing Spotify of muting the famous hit. “Spotify aims to offer a wide range of music on our platform, however availability may vary by time and country,” a Spotify spokesman said of the distance. Dammi Falastini was released on the singer’s label in 2015 Answer by Muntasib Alqamah Album.
“The removal of some of Mohammed Assaf’s content was not decided by Spotify but by the distributor. We expect to return soon and apologize for the inconvenience caused.”
Mohammed Assaf commented about the distance on Instagram, saying: “That’s fine. It will be cherished in the hearts of all who are free and noble.” The singer rose to fame in 2013 when he won Arab Idol. He is represented by his Platinum Records label, owned by Saudi entertainment giant MBC.
“Reminder that the song “Dammi Falastini” was also removed from Spotify a few days ago.” tweeted a user about the incident. “The censorship of Palestinian voices on Instagram is not the only problem. They do it everywhere.”
“Shamelessly and spinelessly from Spotify to remove Mohammed Assaf’s song “Dammi Falastini”.” tweeted Another person. “It doesn’t even mention Israel and it’s all about Palestinian identity and heritage, and yet somehow it’s seen as a problem?”
So far, Spotify is the only DSP that does this make a statement directly about the track’s removal – although it’s also disappearing from other streaming services. Deezer and Apple Music both have a strong presence in the Middle East and North Africa, but neither DSP has issued a statement about the disappearance of that particular title from their catalogues.