Music
Careers
Access
Music Careers Access
NEST is a regional platform connecting music creators and professionals across Southwest Asia and North Africa through knowledge, practice, and opportunity
Independent and artist first • No ownership of rights • Built on real industry practice • Open and inclusive
The current system does not enable creators and professionals to build sustainable and independent careers
Access is limited • Knowledge is fragmented • Opportunities are disconnected
NEST is designed as a new model for how creators and professionals access the music industry
Connecting knowledge, practice, and opportunity • Creating real industry access and engagement • Aligned with real market conditions • Focused on access, not control
NEST is designed as a new model for how creators and professionals access the music industry
Connecting knowledge, practice, and opportunity • Creating real industry access and engagement • Aligned with real market conditions • Focused on access, not control
NEST is designed as a new model for how creators and professionals access the music industry
Connecting knowledge, practice, and opportunity • Creating real industry access and engagement • Aligned with real market conditions • Focused on access, not control
NEST Aims & Offerings
NEST targets solo artists and bands across all musical styles
NEST offers
Capacity Building
Educational & Creative Knowledge
Networking Opportunities
Production & Showcasing Support
Long-term Incubation for Sustained Growth
NEST Partners
Policy & Governance: Fair, Transparent, Inclusive
Open Call
An inclusive approach, open to all aspiring artists.
User-friendly application process.
Selection Committees
External, diverse, and open-minded.
Global industry experts involved in each phase.
Transparent Criteria
Clear guidelines for selection and progression.
Aligned with Jafra's core values (Transparency, Inclusivity, Innovation, Cultural diversity).
Bridging the Gap: NEST's Unique Role in MENA
Filling the Gap
Economic empowerment through artist entrepreneurship.
Cultural innovation via diverse music genres.
Skill-building in an underserved market.
NEST's Uniqueness
The first program of its kind in the MENA region.
Academic rigor meets practical experience.
Comprehensive focus: from production to post-production.
Pioneering long-term incubation globally.
NEST's Local Impact
Economic Empowerment
NEST boosts the local music economy, helping artists turn their talent into sustainable careers, thereby fostering financial independence and long-term stability in the Palestinian music industry.
Knowledge and Skills Hub
As a center for artistic growth, NEST provides crucial industry knowledge and practical skills through workshops and mentorship, encouraging innovation and creativity.
Career Incubation
NEST's comprehensive support includes 360-degree deals for advancing artists, encompassing production, distribution, marketing, and management, guiding them towards success in the music industry and beyond.
NEST in Numbers 2022 — 2023
289 Applicants The number of musicians who sought to join the NEST program.
69 Musical Acts Total of selected individual artists and bands.
38 Industry Experts Mentors, experts, and music supervisors engaged.
19 Masterclasses Specialist sessions conducted for skills enhancement.
11 Singles Produced New tracks created and released.
11 Music Videos Visual stories told through music.
11 Deals Signed Distribution and publishing agreements finalized.
4+ Business Deals Commercial partnerships and collaborations established.
2 Showcases Events highlighting the talents within the program.
16+ Playlists Features Inclusion in music playlists for broader exposure.
28 Networking Events Opportunities that foster industry connections.
1M+ Social Reach The cumulative impact on social media platforms.
Digital Streams +21K listens and views across streaming platforms.
NEST's Pioneers: Shaping Music Futures with 360° Deals
Tareq Aboushi
A multifaceted composer and maestro of the buzuq, weaves a rich tapestry of sound, fusing Arabic maqams with vibrant jazz and funk. A graduate in jazz piano, his eclectic compositions have taken center stage in the bands he’s joined and the albums he’s released with Shusmo.
Ebaa Monther
A trailblazing voice from the Golan Heights blends the haunting melodies of her mountain roots with a bold rap edge. Her music defies genres, weaving together folklore, hip-hop, and theatrical elements to explore complex identities and the spirit of rebellion.
Fares Ishaq
A nay virtuoso and innovative composer, crafts a unique auditory journey, marrying the soulful breaths of Arabic and Indian music with the improvisational spirit of jazz. A Berklee alumnus and music therapist, Fares's albums and live performances resonate on a global stage, from London to Monterey, inviting listeners into his world of cross-cultural musical dialogue.
Marwan Halabi
An eclectic soul weaver infuses his Arabic roots with the spirituality of Indian ragas and the raw emotion of the blues. Shaped by the complex tapestry of life under occupation, Marwan’s songs, such as “Nafham Ala Baad” and “Liqaa al-Malaeka,” echo with a fusion of rock and alternative Arabic melodies, offering a unique voice that transcends borders and trends.
Feedback Harmony: Stakeholder Reflections
“Great initiative responding to an essential local market need, leveraging a high level of expertise, and serving an untapped potential Arabic music segment that is yet to shine worldwide. Happy and grateful to be part of it.” Dolly Makhoul — Believe
“Nest represents the diversity of the Palestinian music scene. What these young musicians have in common is their thirst for knowledge in all aspects of the music field: recording, live, tech, and first and foremost the awareness of their rights. I was proud to share my experience with such a talented and promising generation!”
Habib Achour — Sacem
“Thank you so much for leading us to the Nest program and special thanks to all Jafra family for making this happen. I do believe we will make our Palestinian music industry grow one day and get our artists shining and loud.”
Moody Kablawi — HipHop, Funk artist
“Thank you so much for the great opportunity in letting us participate in your beautiful program which has proven to be extremely helpful .”
Osprey V Band — Alternative Rock, Metal
“Thank you so much for all your hard work on this project, it has been such a soul-enriching experience and I hope it continues!”
Ashira Prem Rashana — Sufi Soul artist
