It has been two years since the Sudan war broke out — and as of 7 October 2025, it will be two years since the brutal genocide carried out by Israel began unfolding in Gaza, Palestine.
In Sudan, famine alone has killed hundreds of thousands of children, and by July 2025, the total death toll from the ongoing war was estimated to exceed 150,000.
As for Gaza, by August 2025, medical sources reported that at least 61,827 people had been killed, the majority of whom were civilians, at least half of them women and children.
While the numbers continue to rise, so too does the silence from those in power, who turn a blind eye to the atrocities being committed on a daily basis.
In the face of this growing apathy, everyday people are refusing to remain silent. Among them, creatives are using their voices and platforms to raise awareness of ongoing humanitarian crises, turning their work into acts of resistance and solidarity.
Whether through music, film, or other creative mediums, notable examples include the widely discussed film Sudan, Remember Us — which documents the 2019 revolution and the subsequent war in Sudan — and the Together for Palestine concert at London’s Wembley Arena, where artists like Saint Levant, PinkPantheress, and Gorillaz expressed solidarity with Palestine and called for an end to the genocide.
This week, the latest work raising awareness of the massacres happening worldwide comes from Egyptian musician Felukah, known as the 'Arabfuturist songstress'.
Having garnered international attention from organisations including FIFA and Harvard University, and with her work also featured on GRAMMYS.com, Felukah will release her music video for her newest single, Albi Henak (My Heart is Over There), on Friday, 3 October.
The track, written and directed by Felukah, spotlights Sudanese and Palestinian families in Egypt, celebrating the Arab diaspora and urging Egyptians to support displaced people from war-torn countries and help them feel at home.
Speaking to The New Arab, Felukah explained the inspiration behind the project and shared what motivated her to write and release Albi Henak at this time.
'We share the same sky and sun'
“All my life, I’ve appreciated the beauty and warmth of Sudanese and Palestinian culture. What’s happening in these countries is terrifying and needs to be discussed. But it’s also important to talk about Sudanese joy and Palestinian joy," Felukah begins.
"They are a significant part of Egyptian culture and deserve recognition for how they contribute to its growth. Whether it’s Sudanese henna, Palestinian food, or any celebration of their culture, we must show respect and honour these traditions.”
By sharing this, Felukah highlights some of the cultural elements featured in the music video — such as Egyptians learning traditional Sudanese dances and playing Palestinian music on feluccas, Egypt’s traditional boats.
Reflecting on the filming process, Felukah says, “Moments like playing a ‘Sudani wedding’ playlist on set to help the cast feel comfortable were truly beautiful. You could feel the warmth in the air. I learned a great deal about both cultures during the making of this, and I’m eager to learn even more.”
That said, Felukah makes it clear that while the goal is to celebrate the positive aspects of both cultures, it is equally important to acknowledge the ongoing challenges faced by refugees in Egypt, including racism, poverty, and social exclusion.
As she puts it, “Albi Henak aims to reflect these difficulties while still celebrating the culture and resilience of displaced communities.
"It is incredibly sad and twisted that Egyptians would discriminate against fellow Africans. But this is a reality that we live in. We are all of the same cosmic dust; we share the same sky and sun. That’s what I hope people take away from the song and video — look at how easy it is to be together, to love each other, and to stand up for one another,” Felukah adds.
Adding to this, Felukah shares her hope that the track will encourage Egyptians to embrace displaced communities and outlines the response she expects after people have heard and watched the piece.
Felukah explains, “Beyond simply studying and learning about these beautiful cultures to help preserve them, I hope people notice the resources shared in the video and are inspired to volunteer their time and effort to genuinely support displaced individuals and families, both in Egypt and worldwide.”
'Home is a place within community'
In addition to celebrating Sudanese and Palestinian cultures and highlighting the challenges refugees face in Egypt, Albi Henak also expresses a sense of longing.
When asked how that feeling connects to the reality of Sudanese and Palestinian families who are building lives in Egypt while still carrying memories of home, Felukah shared, “The first time we listened to the song with the cast, I teared up. The lyrics clearly resonated with everyone, and I was pleasantly surprised to hear them singing along by the second or third take.
“I’m not saying I can fully understand the gravity of what they have been through, but even being away from Egypt for months at a time leaves me feeling homesick and a little confused — and they have felt that way for years.
"But home is found within the community; it can be planted and replanted when needed. I want them to feel at home in Egypt and to always be met with kindness and generosity.”
If you would like to donate to support both Palestine and Sudan, Felukah has curated a list of trustworthy charities to support this cause:
How to help Sudan right now:
Saint Andrew’s Refugee Services
How to help Palestine right now:
American Near East Refugee Aid (ANERA)
Zainab Mehdi is The New Arab's Associate Editor and researcher specialising in governance, development, and conflict in the Middle East and North Africa region
Follow her on Instagram: @zaiamehdi_/@zainabmehdiwrites_