Born in Bethlehem, Milad Fatouleh displayed his singing talent from a very early age. When he was 9, Milad was selected to represent Palestine in an international singing competition called Zecchino D’Oro, where he won first place. After a singular encounter which introduced the young Palestinian musician to Italian culture, a life-changing opportunity arose for Fatouleh and his family. “The purpose of this visit was to know more about Italy and its culture and traditions, but it was the first step of thinking to move to live there”.
Fatouleh decided to escape the political struggles in Bethlehem and, in a quest for a better life together with his whole family, moved to Italy at the end of 2006. When he arrived in Italy, Fatouleh was only 11 years old and accustomed to singing in Arabic, therefore his cultural and musical perspectives quickly changed. He learned to speak Italian and soon after felt connected enough with the language that a desire to express his musicality in a foreign language naturally followed. “I wrote many songs in Italian and composed them with my teacher. After I graduated from school, I decided to study music and I got a Master’s degree.”
After a congenial cycle living abroad, Fatouleh went back to his homeland Palestine and returned to his musical roots, subsequently immersing himself in Arabic culture. Unfortunately, life as a musician in Palestine encompasses many challenges in order to turn one’s musical dream into a feasible reality. “In Palestine, we lack the capabilities to support all musical talents. I wish my music would reach the whole world so they hear the Palestinian voice.”
Get to know Milad Fatouleh by reading our interview below and get ready to see his performance in the second release of our Delia Sessions series this week!
1 – How would you describe yourself and your work for those who don’t know you yet?
I am Milad, 24 years old, I’m a Palestinian-Italian singer and songwriter, I often sing songs that I write. I have dedicated myself more to the Musical Theater and to the opera. I sing in Arabic Italian and English
I have trust in God and I have a dream, which I am working for it to become true. Singing is the way that I can express myself, I sing with all my heart trying to touch the heart of everyone who listens to it.
2 – What are your biggest motivations?
There have been many episodes that have influenced my life: the second intifada experienced as a child. Then a sudden change: to represent Palestine at the Zecchino D’Oro, in Italy. From there my life together with the life of my family are changed. In 2006, we moved to live in Italy, where we continued our life in a free world with many opportunities for me and my brothers.
I decided that Palestine must not be forgotten, that Palestine must not be remembered only for the war. My homeland has many beautiful things for which it can be remembered, so I decided to go back and bring my passion back to Palestine. I am more and more convinced that, if we have music, hope will never die.
3 – When did you decide to become a musician?
I remember loving music since I was 3 years old I was always singing at home. When I was 5 years old, my mother enrolled me at a singing school. From that day I dedicate my life to music. I believe I was born with music in my blood. I decided to quit university – I was enrolled in Medicine – to pursue my career in music and musical theater.
4 – What inspires you?
My love for music! Music takes me to another world, it makes me see our world in a different way: full of love, peace, and joy.
5 – Which accomplishments are you most proud of?
I’m proud when I sing a song and my message of joy, love, and peace can reach many ears around the world.
6 – What’s your biggest dream as a musician?
I have many dreams, but I think that the most important is to become a famous singer, so I can realize all my other dreams. One of them is to help other children, as I went through hard times when I was a child myself.