Amal Murkus

Amal Murkus is a world-renowned Palestinian singer, actress, and producer whose career spans over four decades.

Her voice has resonated at the Vatican, Lincoln Center, Carthage, and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic. She has shared the stage and studio with legends such as Mercedes Sosa, Joan Baez, Residente and Robert Wyatt.

In 2025, Amal recevied GRAMMY recognition for featuring on the Grammy award-winning album “Las Letras Ya No Importan” with Puerto Rican rapper Residente on the song “Bajo Los Escombros”.

A native of Kafr Yasif in Galilee, she has become a global symbol of Palestinian cultural resilience, blending deep-rooted heritage with modern Mediterranean and international sounds.

Amal’s artistic path was forged in childhood; at just two years old, she was filmed by Finnish TV singing "We Shall Overcome”

Growing up in a household that cherished Fairuz, AbdelWahab, Tchaikovsky, and Joan Baez, she developed a unique vocal identity that bridges the gap between traditional Arabic Maqamat and Western musical influences.

Amal’s creative journey is closely intertwined with her family: Yara Zreik: An accomplished singer, pianist, and stage actress. Firas Zreik: A world-renowned Qanun virtuoso, composer, and Berklee College of Music graduate. Firas has been a defining influence on Amal’s modern sound, composing and arranging many of her recent works.


Amal’s legacy surpasses music, her work is deeply political and humanitarian, addressing women’s rights, social justice, and the preservation of the Palestinian narrative.

Discography

Singles & Special Projects

  • Exister es Resistir (2017)

  • Nas (2020)

  • Dola (2021)

  • I Am From Here (Ana Min Huna) (2023)

  • Bajo Los Escmobros

  • Ahwak

  • Canta (Wa Nabqa Naghanni)

  • Mother (2026)

Media & Awards

  • Murkus recevied GRAMMY recognition for featuring on the Grammy award-winning album “Las Letras Ya No Importan” with Puerto Rican rapper Residente on the song “Bajo Los Escombros”.

  • Beyond her music, Amal is a celebrated broadcaster. Her program Raf’ al-Sitar (Lifting the Curtain) ran for 12 years, earning her the "Excellent Media Personality" award in 2011.

  • Free Muse Award in Denmark in 2003 for her courageous stance against artistic censorship.

  • Woman to Woman Award (USA): For her art supporting women's causes (2000).

  • Avellino Province Award (Italy): For singing for peace and freedom (2003).

  • Best Actress Award: At an international festival in Haifa (2003).

  • Best Theatrical Singer: From the Max Factor Award at the Institute of Performing Arts (1988).

  • First Prize: Children’s Song Festival in Tamra (1979), at the age of ten.

  • Mahmoud Darwish Foundation Honor: (2018).

  • "Through her music, Amal Murkus remains a steadfast guardian of the Palestinian soul, proving that to exist is to resist, and to sing is to be free.

Artistic Collaborations

  • Robert Wyatt: The international rock artist recorded a rearranged version of her song “No One Knows” (La Ahad Ya’lam) in his album Shady Lane.

  • Joan Baez: Performed with the iconic American folk singer.

  • Mercedes Sosa: Collaborated with the legendary Argentine folk singer.

  • Nani Caymmi: Performed with the Brazilian singer.

  • Anouar Brahem: Collaborated with the Tunisian artist at the opening of "Casa Árabe" in Madrid.

  • Glykeria & Yehudit Tamir: Performed together in the "Mothers' Prayer.”

  • Enzo Avitabile: The famous Neapolitan singer; she joined him in concerts and an international musical film.

  • Fermin Muguruza: Featured in the Basque singer’s film Checkpoint Rock: Songs from Palestine.

  • Stadio: Collaborated with the Italian band.

  • Radio Tarifa / Radio Darwiah: Collaborated with the Italian-Arabic ensemble.

  • Peter Yarrow: Worked with the American artist on the international children's project "Don't Laugh at Me."

  • Zahi Wehbe: Participated in a cultural evening titled "A Night for Palestine" in Amman.

  • Eskenderella, Oumeima El Khalil & Marcel Khalife: Joined them in a concert during the "Freedom of Expression in Media" conference in Amman.

Global Performances

  • 2001: Selected by Arte TV for the film “Primadonna’s Feast” as one of the best female voices of the 20th century.

  • 2001: Performed at the Vatican for the Family Jubilee.

  • 1998: Performed at UNESCO in Valencia and the Netherlands.

  • 2002: Performed at the City Festival in Tunis.

  • 2005: Performed with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra (UK).

  • 2006: Performed with the Moroccan Symphony Orchestra in Casablanca.

  • 2014: Played the lead role of "Tahidaj" in the opera “Trans-Maghreb” at the Bregenz Festival in Austria, receiving critical acclaim from German and Austrian press.

  • 2018: Performed at the Lincoln Center (New York) and Berklee College of Music (Boston), where she also held a Masterclass for students.

  • Festivals: Performed at WOMEX (Spain), WOMAD (New Zealand/Abu Dhabi), Carthage International Festival (Tunisia), and the Rock Theatre in Athens (2019).

  • International Tours: Her music has reached Ireland, Australia, Bulgaria, Dubai, Italy, Luxembourg, Tanzania, and beyond.

    Television and Media

  • TV Shows: Olive Branch, Once Upon a Time, Neighbors, Portrait, and Amal’s Gate.

  • Children's Media: Children of Our Street and Sesame Street.

  • "Sing to Me" (Ghani Li Ghani): A musical and cultural program she prepared and hosted on Mikan TV.

  • "Raising the Curtain" (Raf' al-Sitar): A comprehensive cultural radio program she hosted for 12 years on Ashams Radio, featuring interviews with global cultural figures.

  • Distinctions: Named "Excellent Media Professional" during the Radio Anniversary (2011).

  • Special Broadcasts: Amal’s Evening (Palestine TV) and Al-Huwayna (Musawa TV).