NEST: The Project Nurturing A New Generation of Palestinian Artists

SceneNoise

In Palestine’s occupied West Bank, right in the heart of Ramallah, Jafra Productions, an independent music label and artist incubation business, have been actively forming the building blocks of a solid music ecosystem since 2010. Despite the ongoing genocide at the hands of the Israeli occupation and the constraints of censorship, the organization has managed to play a pivotal role in fostering a Palestinian music community, nurturing both emerging and established artists and forging connections with global industry professionals.

In 2022, Jafra Productions launched its NEST Music Incubator, a regional project dedicated to equipping artists with the resources necessary to build sustainable careers and establish themselves in the global music industry.

The project is a comprehensive seven-month program that provides artists with personalized mentorship, production support, live performances and networking opportunities with global heavyweights in the music industry. Building on the success of its inaugural edition between 2022 and 2023, this year NEST is expanding its scope, offering aspiring musicians not just mentorship and studio time, but deals with regional record labels and partnerships with global distribution companies and booking agencies.

With its expanded network, comprehensive program, and focus on long-term artist development, Jafra Productions’ NEST Music Incubator is not just nurturing new sounds, it’s building a stronger, more sustainable music ecosystem.

SceneNoise sat down with Samer Jaradat, founder behind Jafra Productions, to discuss the works of NEST, and how it plans to protect the future of the music industry in Palestine.