Palestinian—French Collaboration
Jafra Productions, in partnership with Expertise France and with main support from the French Development Agency (AFD), will announce the second cycle of the NEST Music Incubator as part of the SPMI project, which aims to support the Palestinian music industry.
NEST — Music Incubator
NEST is a 7-month program dedicated to empowering music creators from the MENA region. Offering personalized mentorship, production support, and networking opportunities, NEST helps artists and creators navigate the global music industry. Acting as a social hub, it connects performers with industry professionals and plays a vital role in exporting MENA music to the world. Through its three phases—Global Beats, SoundLab, and Sustainable Future—NEST provides essential knowledge, strategic support, and pathways for career growth, fostering a vibrant and connected music community.
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 Stages
NEST is implemented through three distinct phases, allowing participants to focus on one area at a time and assess their development and eligibility for each stage. Let's take a closer look at each phase:
Global Beats
We kick off with an 8-week deep dive into the music industry led by international and local experts. Learn about live music, recorded music, and publishing, gaining a global perspective to navigate your music career.
SoundLab
This is where your music comes to life. Artists will receive production support and mentorship, and have the opportunity to showcase their music, meet and collaborate with industry professionals, and network. An external committee will select the artists to advance to the third phase.
Sustainable Future
In this final phase, artists receive strategic support and mentorship. They will pitch their music to diverse music labels and industry professionals to secure deals. Artists will have the freedom to select deals that align with their vision and career goals.
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 Cycle One Finalists
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
