Zaid Tayem is a Palestinian artist, singer and composer living in the Netherlands. I have loved music ever since childhood, when I was participating in musical festivities at school. My uncle, the poet and singer known as Abu Arab, had a great influence on me in that respect as well.
When he moved to Lebanon, he had the opportunity of expanding his knowledge and experience in music. He performed with most of the famous Palestinian groups like Al Asheqeen, Al Ard and the band of Abu Arab. Also, he was involved in the initiation of musical groups like Al Sibar and Abnaa Kanaan. Zaid taught music to children through the schools of the UNWRA (United Nations Works and Relief Agency), and did various projects for children with the Syrian television network. At several international festivals, in Tunis, Syria, Yemen, Greece and the Soviet Union, he represented Palestine, as well as in North Korea, Great Britain, Germany, France, Belgium and the Netherlands.
Zaid has a collection of songs referring to Palestine and the Intifada, and during his residence in the Netherlands, he was a member of the band "Mixed Up", consisting of Dutch, African and European musicians. In 1996, he formed the Palestinian music band Hanien, performing at various Dutch and European festivals and events and receiving various awards for his musical efforts.
One of the most important goals of our music is the preservation of Palestinian culture and identity, and traditional Arabic music. The role of music in this respect, is that it is one of the most expressive forms of communication.
