Róisín El Cherif releases multilingual song to raise awareness and funds for Gaza

Singer-songwriter Róisín El Cherif has just released her new single ‘Siúil a Rúin’, a traditional Irish ballad sung in a mixture of Irish, English and Arabic, marking a new direction for the artist as she puts her double heritage forward. The song was previously performed by Clannad and Lord of the Dance.

El Cherif has also announced that all proceeds from this song will go to MFS’s Gaza Emergency Regional Fund, which strives to support the humanitarian, medical and surgical response of MSF in Gaza and the West Bank.

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Speaking of ‘Siúil a Rúin’ and her Irish-Palestinian culture, El Cherif says: “What links these two cultures for me is grief and perseverance. I find great solace in the traditional music of both lands and it felt easy for me to blend and combine them.”

Hothouse Flowers founder and radio presenter Fiachna Ó Braonáin adds: “Róisín El Cherif has long been providing us with a vitally important and deeply rich cultural bridge that connects her Irish and Palestinian heritage and on this otherworldly and beautiful version of 'Siúil a Rúin', the light she shines on that connection has never been brighter.”

The track was recorded in collaboration with acclaimed folk artists Fergal Scahill and Ruth Smith.