About Me
Palestinian singer, musicologist and broadcaster – was born in England, raised in Kuwait and now lives in London. Working in the Diaspora, Reem has introduced countless non-Arab musicians to Arabic and Palestinian music.
Reem’s reputation as an artist for whom her independence is an article of faith, musically, spiritually and politically, extends across the Arab and the non Arab worlds.
She has led major tours with her band to the UAE (2000), Greece (2000 & 2006), Belgium (2006 & 2008), Syria (2007 & 2009), Turkey (2005 & 2008), Ireland (2010), China (2010 & 2011), Seattle (2008 & 2013) and Germany (2006 & 2016).
Reem has also performed solo and with local musicians in major concerts in Kuwait (1988 & 1989), Los Angeles (1992 & 1993), Palestine (1993 & 2000), Lebanon (1998), and Canada (1993, 1994, 1999 & 2013).
What People Say
“A lovely stillness pervades this album, whose illuminating English-Arabic liner notes are a work of art in themselves.“ _ Michael Church, BBC Music Magazine
Awards & Honors
Arab-British Culture and Society Award, 2017.
Asian Women’s Awards (Arts & Culture), 2017.
The Arts Council of England, 2013. Reem was awarded funding for her work on Classical Egyptian Music, encompassing specialist training in Cairo and a programme of workshops in schools and with community groups across the UK.
Arab-British Culture and Society Award, 2013 – a special commendation for Reem’s “notable contribution to our knowledge and understanding of the life, society and culture of the Arab people”.
BBC Alba’s A’Gharaids series, featuring a special collaboration by Reem Kelani and Gaelic singer Catriona Watt, nominated for the Scottish Traditional Music Awards 2009.
Arab-British Culture and Society Award, 2008 – a special commendation for Reem’s “notable contribution to our knowledge and understanding of the life, society and culture of the Arab people”.
Paul Hamlyn Foundation Breakthrough Fund, 2007.
Glastonbury Unsigned Bands finalist, 2005.