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Paper short abstract:

This paper will discuss musical production and performance in indigenous languages by refugees from Darfur, Sudan, who reside in Israel. It will explore their relevance to ethnic and other identities among Darfuris, as well as their function within processes of community formation in exile.

Paper long abstract:

Among Darfuri Sudanese refugees in Israel, music and musical performances, usually accompanied by dance and other folkloristic expressions, play an important role in the process of ethnic identity consolidation, diasporic group formation, and local community building. This is especially evident when music is created and performed in Darfuri indigenous styles and languages, such as those of the Fur people, an act which is associated with resistance to exclusion, oppression, and the cultural hegemony of the Arabic language in Sudan.

In the Israeli context of tremendous hardships imposed by the host state, producing and performing music brings a sense of home and belonging to refugees, and is a source of pride to those who participate. Performances at cultural, social, and private events are frequent, as the dull venue underneath the shady central station of Tel Aviv becomes a vibrant and colorful ‘Sudanese’ space for the night. Performers and producers of music are greatly valued by their community members. In many cases, through documentation and distribution on social media, their work transcends the boundaries of the community in Israel and reaches Fur living elsewhere.

In the process of migration and cultural adaptation to changing conditions and settings, various transformations occur in what may be considered as “traditional” Fur styles. Ultimately, this contributes to the solidification of a now-established, yet relatively new performative tradition for this ethnic community.

Based on fieldwork, content analysis, and long-term familiarity with the Fur community in Israel, my paper will shed light on and contextualize the aforementioned issues.