Meet the Finalists of NEST Music Incubator Cycle II – Palestine 2025

Ahead of the conclusion of the project’s final phase in Jan 2026, the four finalists share with us how the NEST programme helped them find their feet and the key strategies and takeaways they received

Launched by Jafra Productions in 2022, NEST Music Incubator is a regional project launched that aims to equip emerging artists with the resources necessary to build sustainable careers and establish themselves not only in the local or regional industries – but on a global stage. In January 2025, the project announced the second cycle of its Palestine edition, which launched into a comprehensive seven-month programme that provides artists with personalised mentorship, production support and live performances and networking opportunities with industry leaders and musicians across the region and the globe at large.

As part of the programme, artists go through three phases, with an external committee of experts selecting the finalists in the second phase, ‘SoundLab’. In that phase, NEST provides artists with production support to bring their music to life, get direct feedback and collaborate with veteran producers and musicians. 

Ahead of the conclusion of the project’s final phase, ‘Sustainable Future,’ in January 2026 – in which artists will perform their music live and pitch it to regional record labels – SceneNoise caught up with the four finalists to uncover how the NEST programme helped them find their feet and the key strategies and takeaways they received. 

$keem 

Hailing from Nablus, Palestine, Karim Hamdan, aka $keem, is a rapper known for his raw, unfiltered commentary on social and cultural issues. Drawing inspiration from Shabjdeed and The Synaptik, he delivers razor-sharp verses over aggressive trap and hip-hop beats, reflecting both the struggles under occupation and the strength and pride of his people.

“Learning to protect my rights and own my music showed me that growth as a rising artist isn’t just about making songs – it’s about shaping the life and future I want for my art.”

LOUR 

Palestinian singer-songwriter Lour first caught the attention of alternative pop enthusiasts five years ago with her stripped-down take on Fairuz’s ‘Kan Ena Tahoun’. Since then, she has crafted a distinct sound that blends poetic, socially conscious Arabic lyrics with modern pop sensibilities.

“For Palestinian artists, storytelling is one of the main ways we push back against the system and preserve our culture. Being in the orbit of this programme put me in a position to do so and carry our stories onto global stages.”

Manos 

Manos is a composer, producer and singer with a bejewelled mask who has been steadily carving out his path in the industry since 2013. Known for his holistic approach. Manos blends modern hip-hop, rap, and psych-rock into an experimental soundscape, with lyrics that capture the everyday lives of Palestinian youth.

“For years, I kept getting rejected when I tried to release my music, but I didn’t stop. Making it into NEST Music Incubator and advancing to Phase II felt especially meaningful because it’s a Palestinian initiative — it finally felt like a door opening.”

OrganiizedChaos 

Having grown up playing classical cello in Ramallah, Palestinian-Dutch musician OrganiizedChaos crafts free-spirited, dreamy folk instrumental, combining classical elements with avant-garde compositions that straddle various influences, from Patrick Watson, Bon Iver and Pink Floyd to Fatima Al Qadiri, ZULI and Billie Marten. 

“In such a capitalist environment, it’s tough for non-mainstream, experimental artists like me to find their place. NEST showed me alternative ways to present myself authentically and helped me balance between passion and career in the industry.”