Solidarity in Song: Sabreen releases The End (Arabic Version) featuring Flotilla activist Rana Hamida
Marking her first collaboration, Bengali-NZ singer-songwriter Sabreen reimagines her 2025 song for Palestine ‘The End’ with an Arabic twist, featuring local Palestinian activist and artist Rana Hamida, as she sets sail for Gaza on the second Global Sumud Flotilla.
In an ode to Palestinian culture, Sabreen and producer Nate Selway poignantly weave Arabic instrumentation alongside Sabreen’s South Asian musical heritage. This reimagining builds on the hopeful message of 2025’s ‘The End’ of holding on to your loved ones even as the world feels as though it is ending, with Rana Hamida’s soulful Arabic vocals lifting the song to create something new. Inspired by Arabic poetry, the song also features a moving recitation of Mahmoud Darwish’s famed poem by Rana, ‘Forgotten As If You Never Were.’ With the inclusion of oud and baglama played by David Lawrence, tabla by Manjit Singh and sitar by Sargham Madhur, Sabreen fuses Palestinian and South Asian culture in a moving extension of her artistry and activism.
Once again blending history, personal storytelling and authentic musical cultures, ‘The End (Arabic Version) feat. Rana Hamida’ continues to build the world of Sabreen’s second EP, set for release in 2026. This body of work will feature previously released singles ‘The End’ and ‘Countryman’, as well as four brand new songs produced with Nate Selway inspired by the likes of Hozier and Paris Paloma.
Auckland-raised, Bengali singer-songwriter Sabreen is an artist, author and songwriter who crafts cinematic, heart-wrenching stories. She released her debut EP ‘room service’ in 2023 (RNZ, SRN stations, 95bFM Fancy New Band Showcase, NZ Music Commission Celebrating Wāhine, NZOA Fresh Cuts), following extensive performances across Aotearoa including a full-house show at Auckland’s BIG FAN and opening for global sensation
Prateek Kuhad’s Silhouettes Tour. Sabreen is also a published poet, and was selected as a semi-finalist for the International Songwriting Competition for her song ‘Glow’. In 2025, Sabreen was selected as a YWCA Y25 laureate for creating positive change in Aotearoa, as well as a Blues Award from the University of Auckland. Proudly Bangladeshi and Muslim, Sabreen is a fierce advocate for her community, which often finds its way into her music.
‘The End (Arabic Version) feat. Rana Hamida’ is available now on all streaming platforms.