Osprey V is a Palestinian rock band from Gaza. It is likely that they are the first musical group of their type from the territory.
Background
The band is made up of an accountant, two lawyers, an agronomist and a Swiss humanitarian worker. The band is led by accountant, Raji El-Jaru. Both he and his cousin Moamin El-Jaru were instrumental in the band's creation. Another member is cousin Saed. As Gaza's first rock group, the band came into being in 2017. They practiced and performed in a studio above an electrical store which was owned by the father of one of the band members.
One of the struggles the band had was coming up against the unfamiliarity that Gazans had with Western Music and the difference that it has with traditional Palestinian culture.
They needed a drummer and they took on Swiss aid worker Thomas Kucherhans who was currently doing aid work in Gaza. In the beginning they created an air of mystery by having their faces covered. They sing about the issue of Palestinians and their plight.
As of 2022, they were managed by Asmaa Tayeh, a young lady who studied English literature at Al-Azhar University.
Career
The group performed one night at the studio that was above the shop and journalist Janine di Giovanni went to hear them play.
Their song "Home" premiered on December 13, 2019.
They performed live in an online concert, "Live for Gaza" which was in April 2021. Roger Waters of Pink Floyd was an attendee. The event was to raise money for artists in the Palestinian territories. Other attendees were Tom Morello from Rage Against the Machine, and Brian Eno. In addition to Osprey V, other artists from Gaza were Wafaa Alnjeili, and Badeel Band.
In 2022, they received support from the Intersticia Foundation, with funds to go towards sound and recording equipment.
In a clip uploaded by the Delia Arts Foundation, dated Jun 21, 2023, the band members talk about their upcoming debut album.
Members
Musicians: Raji Al Jaru – lead singer, rhythm guitarist, lead guitar Momen Al Jaru – bass guitarist Sa'ed Al Jaru – lead guitarist, backing vocals Siraj Al Shawa – keyboardist, electronic musician, backing vocals Ezz Al Sawada – drums, percussionist, backing vocals
Past members
Thomas Kucherhans – drums
Further reading
Reuters, August 6, 2021 - Middle East, 'We'll scream our pain': Gaza's first rock band, Osprey V, takes wing By Nidal Al-Mughrabi euronews.culture, 24/01/2022 - Meet the rock band shining a light on the people of Gaza's struggles By Rosie-Lyse Thompson & Ruwaida Amer
References
External links
Osprey V channel - Osprey V - "Home" (song), Premiered Dec 13, 2019
Delia Arts Foundation - Osprey V أوسبري: Delia Sessions # 015 | Drops (قطرات الحياة) , Home (وطن) (audio and video) Delia Arts Foundation - Osprey V أوسبري: Delia Sessions # 015 | Drops (قطرات الحياة) , Home (وطن) (audio and video)