Image credit: Facebook / Mohammed Assaf
Doha, Qatar: In response to outcry from Palestinians on social media after the sudden removal of the iconic anthem "Dammi Falastini" from music streaming platforms, Spotify has reinstated the song.
The renowned Palestinian singer, Mohamed Assaf, expressed his shock earlier on Sunday upon discovering the disappearance of his beloved song.
Assaf told The New Arab he had "received an email notifying me of the removal, citing incitement towards Israel as the reason."
The singer took to his Instagram account to say that his song was "preserved in the heart of every free and noble person."
A spokesperson for Spotify, in an interview with Al Jazeera, denied allegations that the song was deleted for political reasons.
The spokesperson clarified that the removal was based on a request from the local distributor of the song, a claim that Mohammed Assaf vehemently refuted.
Following the extensive campaigns on social media, the music streaming platforms have heeded the calls, resulting in the restoration of the song "Dammi Falastini" on Spotify once again.
The heartfelt anthem, which holds deep cultural and historical significance for Palestinians, resonates with audiences across the globe.
Its return to the platform has been met with jubilation from fans and supporters of Mohamed Assaf.
The removal of the song sparked concerns among many about potential censorship and infringement on artistic expression.
However, with its reinstatement, it appears that the power of public outcry and the desire to honor cultural heritage have prevailed.
