Beiruting News

The artist Iman Mansour has released her Palestinian national song titled "Illa Watana," which addresses the themes of migration and exile under the direction of Dan Haddad. The song's lyrics and composition are by Robert Al-Asaad, inspired by Issam Amouri, with arrangement by George Kassis, recording by Hossam Saabi, mixing and mastering by Mark Abdel Nour, and musical consulting by Ghadi Chahine. Nader Khoury and Gilbert Jalkh participated as chorus singers, and it is self-produced by Iman.

The song "Illa Watana" touches on the displacement of the Palestinian people, depicting their forced departure from their land. It aims to send a noble message that the people remain attached to their homeland and history, seeking their rights despite all hardships and tragedies, similar to the Lebanese experience.

Iman, whose father is Palestinian and mother is Lebanese, filmed the music video directed by Dan Haddad over two consecutive days in Lebanon. Key scenes were shot at the Beirut port and other Lebanese locations. The accessories, such as books, bracelets, and clothes, are mostly Palestinian and owned by the family, with the rest designed and selected by stylist and designer Ebra.

Lyrics from the song "Illa Watana" include: "All people have a homeland they live in, except our homeland, it alone lives in us. What do you know about your country? Tell me stories, from your grandfather to your child, tell them what happened."

Iman says, "Since the Gaza war started, I have been looking for a special national song. When I heard 'Illa Watana,' I knew it was the one because of its profound yet simple lyrics. It conveys all my feelings that I grew up with; it even makes me feel connected to Lebanon, my second country."

She added, "I have performed many cover songs for Palestine as well as Lebanon since October 2023, and today I crown that with a special song."

Iman has released the song on several television and radio stations and all digital streaming platforms, as well as her official YouTube channel.

Previously, Iman, who was born in Beirut to Palestinian roots and raised in a family passionate about arts and culture, delved into the world of Eastern and Western music and singing from a young age. She recently re-arranged the famous song "Nar Al-Gheera" by the esteemed singer Warda and had earlier released three original songs, "Ib'ad," "Law Habbeit," and "Sho Eshtaqtelak."

**Watch the song "Illa Watana":** [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTiMSzsU9CQ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTiMSzsU9CQ)

**Connect with Iman Mansour on social media:**
- Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/imanmansourofficial/](https://www.instagram.com/imanmansourofficial/)
- TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@imanmansourofficial](https://www.tiktok.com/@imanmansourofficial)
- Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/imanmansourofficial](https://www.facebook.com/imanmansourofficial)
- YouTube: [https://www.youtube.com/@ImanMansourOfficial](https://www.youtube.com/@ImanMansourOfficial)