Kehlani has shown the world once again that using one’s platform as a vehicle for advocacy and donation is a simple yet profound way for artists to enact change. After releasing her latest single, “Next 2 U,” she revealed an exclusive t-shirt to commemorate the track, with all proceeds being used to aid Palestinian, Congolese, and Sudanese families. In a post on Instagram, Kehlani announced the staggering success of the fundraiser, amassing over $555,000 in donations for Operation Olive Branch.
This feature was produced by Sandra Burciaga Olinger, and written by David Sosa
“Next 2 U,” which was accompanied by a powerful music video that culminated in the raising of Palestinian flags, was shared by Kehlani as a message of solidarity with the people of Gaza and beyond. One that reflects on and galvanizes the radical push taking place around the world in opposition to acts of genocide and oppression.
“This song is about protection, something that institutions have failed to do for the people of Palestine, Congo, and Sudan,” she shared in a post on Instagram. “We’re invincible together and I feel ever so inspired by ya’ll. THANK you for showing out on the streets of DC, with your dollars, with your labor and organizing, with your bodies blocking business as usual.”
“Proof that using your platform makes a difference. Truly one of one 🫶🏻” @wavygirlalina commented beneath Kehlani’s post, a sentiment that was echoed several times.
But fans were also quick to point out the significance of the number raised — 555 — which in numerology can signify change, freedom, and growth. To some, it is considered an “angel number” and is to be protected by guardian angels.
“Half a mill raised??? 555 with represents change ??? 🔥🔥🔥🔥 yasss I can’t wait to rock mine” @asia_noel_ excitedly admitted.
What consistently sets Kehlani apart is the way she crucially pairs her art and words with action. She organized the fundraiser in a way that not only raised a monumental amount of money but also prioritized working with Palestinian artists and businesses. The t-shirt itself is a tangible symbol of the importance and impact of such collaboration.
To create the merchandise, Kehlani turned to Palestine-based artist @simsim.jpeg. But when it came time to find a means to bring the shirts to life, she could’ve cut corners by having them made in a country with exploitive labor practices. Instead, she partnered with Nöl Collective, which operates a sewing and printing workshop in Bethlehem and Umm al Sharayet, Ramallah, respectively. Relying on the hand-weaving and embroidery practices of local families that have been passed down matrilineally over generations, the items they create take immense time, energy, and commitment to assemble.
“We don’t do many collaborations because the prices of tees are relatively expensive when you compare them to other countries,” the collective explained in a post on Instagram, revealing the many barriers and misconceptions that make such collaborations difficult. “I remember that a collab with a SWANA film streaming service because the founder’s partner worked at Burberry and said that this can’t be the real price of a t-shirt or tote bag lol. People assume that Palestinian prices must be dirt cheap but the reality is everything is more expensive because we have to pay import taxes to two governments, not one. Nothing is allowed into Falasteen w/o going through the occupier and then it has to go through the P.A. And then sometimes it has to also go through Jordan.”
Employing 50 people from nearby villages, the Nöl Collective has struggled to keep operations going amidst the violence engulfing the region. It is making Kehlani’s collaboration a veritable lifeline for a Palestinian-owned business that works with local artisans, women’s cooperatives, and family-run sewing workshops. And with nearly 10,000 shirts sold, that’s exactly what she’s done.
Other artists need to take note: this is how you set up a relief effort that puts into practice what’s being advocated for. There is no egotistical virtue-signaling to be seen here; it is just Kehlani proving by example what real activism looks like.
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Fans can see Kehlani at LIV inside the Fontainebleau Las Vegas on Sunday, July 21, and Friday, August 2.
Visit Kehlani on her website and Instagram to stay updated on new releases and tour announcements.
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