Saint Levant, born Marwan Abdelhamid in Jerusalem, epitomises the rich tapestry of cultural influences stemming from his diverse heritage. With a French-Algerian mother and a Palestinian-Serbian father, Marwan’s upbringing was marked by a blend of diverse traditions. He spent his early childhood in Gaza, a time and place that deeply shaped his identity and artistic expression.

In 2007, Marwan and his family were forced to leave Gaza to Jordan and living in Amman, he forged a profound connection with the Palestinian diaspora, an experience that profoundly influences his music. Drawing from his heritage, Saint Levant seamlessly blends English, French, and Arabic in his songs, creating a contemporary pop sound that resonates with a global audience.

Marwan moved to Santa Barbara, California, for university, where his musical journey began to take a more defined shape. His rise to fame was catapulted by the release of his single Very Few Friends in November 2023. Following its success, Saint Levant released his breakout EP From Gaza with Love in 2023, a heartfelt tribute to his origins. His latest project, Deira, takes its name from the hotel in Gaza where he spent his childhood. This hotel, designed and operated by his architect father, was one of Gaza City’s most beautiful structures before its destruction by IOF bombings during the ensuing genocide currently unfolding in Gaza. Deira serves as a deeply personal exploration of Marwan’s journey from displacement to international recognition, channeling his multilingual abilities and diverse influences to reflect his complex identity and experiences.