Resilience fuels creativity

Mohammed El-Susi is an artist, MC, videographer, and producer from Gaza, Palestine, now based in Stavanger, Norway. He began developing skills in audio engineering at 16, eventually founding the hip hop/EDM group “Revolution Makers” with his brother Osama.

Political and economic turmoil in Gaza limited studio options, and Mohammed often faced resistance for addressing social issues. These barriers helped shape his craft as an artist and activist.

His work blends rap, Arabic singing, instrumentation, and electronic music. His messages are rooted in Gazan society, with influences from West Coast rappers like Tupac, Dr. Dre, and Ice Cube.

Due to constraints in Gaza, Mohammed relied on his community of producers, filmmakers, and musicians to develop his skills. He has produced and directed music videos and songs for Gazan artists, expanding creative expression and elevating Palestine’s message of sovereignty.

After facing challenges in Gaza, Mohammed moved to Istanbul, Turkey, in 2019. Experiencing racism there, he returned to Gaza in March 2023. After six months under the genocide in Gaza, he evacuated to Egypt and then relocated to Stavanger in May 2024 under the ICORN City of Refuge program.

In Stavanger, Mohammed continues to create music that sheds light on humanitarian issues in the Middle East and beyond. He plans to collaborate with local and international artists to advocate for positive change and use his platform to raise awareness.