Algila with Daz - October 2, 2010

An exciting new, online platform called Narrating Gaza, sets out to collect and showcase personal anecdotes, arts and commentary about day-to-day life in Gaza. The Al Qattan Foundation's Mahmoud Hashash, one of the project's producers, joins us on the show to tell us all about it. Plus, in a place where for the last 62 years at least, magic and miracles have seemed so very far away, we find out how a local Bethlehem man came to be one of the Arab world's most celebrated illusionists. Featuring music by MIA, Elvis Presley, The Breeders, Black Heart Procession, Karen Dalton, Jesus and Mary Chain, Iggy Pop, Shirley Ellis and Tunng.

Here in the occupied Palestinian Territories everyone has a story to tell and generally these stories are nothing short of extraordinary. So on this program, we're going to hear how a Palestinian man managed against all odds, to shepherd his young family to safety while he was living in Kuwait during the first Gulf War. Plus we're also going to hear a story produced by a young man from Aida Refugee Camp, who is still to this day unsure as to why he was shot at close range, by an Israeli soldier. Featuring music by Mink Stole, Wilco, Joy Division, Nina Simone, M. Ward, Segun Bucknor, Massive Attack and Nina Nastasia.

On this edition of Algila with Daz we meet a young, enthusiastic bunch of locals who are united by a strong passion for metal music. They've formed a band, now they just need somewhere to rehearse...Can you help?Plus, we learn about an organisation established for Palestinian women who don't identify as heterosexual. It's called 'Aswat' or 'voices', and seeks to increase awareness about sexuality and gender as well as provide support and a safe space for Palestinian women who find themselves fitting somewhere outside of the norm. Featuring music by Gnarls Barkley, Amy Winehouse, The Pixies, Velvet Underground, Joy Division, Rene Wendy and PJ Harvey.

Sorry folks, my nose is blocked and throat red-raw...But if you can excuse my nasal, fluey tones, you'll find lots of great music and conversation including an in-depth chat with local Bethlehem resident, Ahmad Al Azzeh, about non-violent resistance, growing up in the camps during the first and second Intifadas and his role in the new documentary, Little Town of Bethlehem. Plus UK-based Palestinian artist, Shadia Mansour, explains why she feels Palestinian hip hop is such a crucial step in the next phase of Palestinian resistance and why it should be embraced by more of the local Palestinian community. Playlist features Holly Go Lightly & The Greenhornes, Caribou, Massive Attack, Pepe Deluxe, Iggy Pop, Buck 65 & Abraham and the Metronomes.

On today's program, we'll be taking a look at a couple of initiatives you probably wouldn't expect to find here in Occupied Palestine; a hugely successful international beer festival and a Palestinian permaculture project. There's also a heap of great music including tracks from Palestinian hip-hoppers DAM, British singer songwriter Nick Drake, Mali musician Moussa Doumbia, New York's Velvet Underground and US funksters, Sharon Jones and the Dapkings.

On today's show we get the story behind a controversial song that seems to be on continuous repeat at coffee shops, clubs and wedding parties here in Occupied Palestine; plus we chat to some residents of Aida and Azzeh refugee camps to get their take on the graffiti drawn on the Israeli Separation Wall - their comments might surprise you...let's just say Banksy isn't on everybody's Christmas card list. Featuring music by Superette, Tom Waits, Budos Band, Bowie, Fabienne Desol, The Pixies, Shirley Ellis & more.