Palestinian artist Saint Levant has been on a steady rise with a stream of consistent bangers, multi-lingual bars, and impressive self-marketing. With high quality visuals, a popping TikTok, and a growing team including partner-in-crime producer Henry Morriz. Having amassed a strong following and millions of streams for his music, it was only a matter of time before the demand for a Saint Levant live performance grew. This past March, it finally happened.
Saint Levant and Egyptian artist Bayou, otherwise known as the ‘King of Cairo’ took to Arizona to perform a hype show for a crowd of the Arab-American diaspora and locals. Social media was abuzz with the gig’s success, complete with trendy visuals and a sentimental note from the artist himself: “Used to perform in my room but never thought it would actually happen. Last year I made a decision to pursue what fulfills me and brings me joy and I can say without a doubt it was the best decision I ever made. This is only the beginning. Thank you to everyone in Arizona. AlhamduiAllah.”
This brief caption gave us a sliver of insight into the emotional journey behind Saint Levant’s first show, which is a monumental moment for any artist, no matter how big or small. This past week, the hit-maker blessed fans with deeper insight into what this highlight meant for his career with a mini-doc released on YouTube.
Directed, shot, and edited by Diego Villaneuva, the 13-minute documentary is a moving portrayal of Saint Levant in his true element as an artist, visionary, and leader. The documentary begins on a conversation between Saint Levant and a fan detailing how inspired he is by the artist to pursue his own dreams. “Who am I, bro,” Saint Levant answers with a humble shrug. “If I could do it you can, bro…me and Henry [his producer] sat down six months ago and said we’re doing music, and since then we have been, everyday.”
Throughout the doc, we get snippets of Saint Levant working with Egyptian artist Bayou, jamming together (we didn’t know Levant played piano!), reflecting on his journey, preparing for the show, and working on music videos. The incredible thing about this piece, masterfully curated by Villaneuva, who no doubt had endless footage of the experience, is how unassuming it is. It doesn’t attempt to necessarily glamourize Saint Levant’s status or exaggerate where he’s at with his career. It’s a celebration of the success he’s achieved so far through pure passion and education, with an honest look at where he wants to go, and what he needs to do to get there.
In addition to the storyline, the documentary further exemplifies Saint Levant’s unique business and marketing mind. It becomes the canvas on which Levant pushes old songs, using instrumentals of some of his most popular hits as the soundtrack. He also uses this documentary as an opportunity to give fans a sneak peak into what music he and Bayou have coming next.
‘Saint Levant’s First Show’ leaves us as flies on the wall of Saint Levant’s life, helping us understand what it really means to be an independent artist with dreams bigger than most people’s imagination allows.
“What’s one piece of advice you’d give yourself?” Someone holding the camera asks Saint Levant at some point. “Get a technical person for the next show so this shit doesn’t happen again,” he answers with a laugh, having just experienced a hiccup during the soundcheck hours before the show.
This is the kind of material that both Levant and his fans will look back on years from now, when the artist is winning Grammys, topping charts, and living comfortably in his birthright home, Palestine, in 2048.
Watch the full documentary below.
