Influential jungle D&B community organisation EQ50 have rallied up some seriously heavyweight heads for a new fund-raising album in support of charities and humanitarian organisations currently working in Palestine.
Over 30 artists have donated the 23 jungle and drum & bass tracks to the project including the likes of Craggz & DJ Flight, Mandidextrous, Mantra, Decibella & Tim Reaper, Halogenix, Thys & Nick Thair, Chimpo & Dub Phizix, Outrage, HLZ, Trail, Charla Green, Visages, Mark System, Nectax, SyRan, Wingz, DJ Sofa and many others.
Sonically the vibe is as broad as it gets as the album takes us from the deepest D&B to ballistic junglistics but politically the message is super-focused… A ceasefire needs to be in place instantly and permanently and the bloodshed of innocent people needs to end. NOW.
“Like so many, we have been horrified and deeply affected by the current and ongoing genocide, crimes against humanity, devastation, and displacement of people in Gaza and beyond,” state EQ50 in the release description.
“Spurred by the dire situation and acute need to help in as many ways as possible, we called on our support network of talented producers, asking them to contribute a piece of music to this fundraising project – and they definitely came through with the goods.”
All profits from 4GAZA will be split between two organisations operating in Palestine for the Palestinian people. Anera exist to aid refugees and those affected by conflict in a number of countries such as Palestine, Lebanon and Jordan and have done so since 1968. You can find out more about their work on their site.
DecolonizePalestine, meanwhile, are an independent self-funded collection of resources for organizers and anyone who wants to learn more about Palestine. Visit their site for one of the most detailed archives of well researched information, historical documentation and myth-busting about the region. The global politics and history that have led us to this climate are not used by the typical mainstream press and help to provide a much more balanced perspective of what’s happening and why.
“It’s our moral obligation to continue demanding and pushing for an end to the Israeli occupation and all apartheid states,” EQ50 state. “Please keep calling for a permanent ceasefire, safe return of more prisoners and hostages, marching, emailing MPs, and amplifying Palestinian voices.”
4GAZA is not the only album currently on sale to raise funds for those affected by the atrocities happening in Palestine. A network of UK collectives have all curated and released VA albums in the last week: Manchester, Birmgham and Sheffield have all regionally regrouped to amplify Palestinian voices. Featuring a wide range of sounds, styles and plenty of spoken word and poetry, you can find them via the links below.
Please support as much of the music as you are able to and help to spread the word, campaign and read as much as you can. While the majority of governments in the western world continue to cite Hamas as a terrorist organisation, the numbers and history tell another story altogether. The UK government has continually failed us in recent years and has proven that they do not have the interest of innocent people as a priority during this conflict. It is down to communities and people on the ground to fight for justice and equality.
Thousands of innocent people have lost their lives so far. This must end. Peace is the only true resolution we must all push for.
