Kamilya Jubran is an oud and qanun player, vocalist and composer. She was introduced to Arabic classical music growing up in Al Rameh, a village in Galilee. She later moved to Jerusalem to study at Hebrew University, where she became involved with the Palestinian band Sabreen, serving as its lead vocalist and qanun player for the next two decades. Since 2002, Jubran has pursued a solo career in Europe, drawing on her roots in Arabic music to inform her adventurous innovations in a range of contemporary musical styles and genres.

Jubran has engaged in many cross cultural collaborations, recording original electronic music with Swiss composer Werner Hassler and an homage to Egyptian musician Sayyed Darwish with French jazz bassist Sarah Murcia. In 2014, she founded the nonprofit organisation Zamkana, which provides support for original artistic projects and promotes freedom of expression. Jubran is also the founder of Sodassi Projects, a music residency that offers masterclasses in composing and arranging for young Arab artists, especially young women.

Jury citation

"For fearless experimentalism in seeking new creative directions in Arabic music across a range of contemporary styles and idioms while remaining true to your Palestinian origins."