Sameh Zakout (, born 1987) better known by his stage name SAZ, is a Palestinian rapper from Ramla, Israel.Saz His music features themes of Palestinian and Arab identity and calls for peaceful resolution of Arab–Israeli conflict. He was the subject of the 2006 documentary Saz: The Palestinian Rapper for Change.
Zakout gained attention and popularity as a contestant on the Israeli reality singing competition in 2012.Jessica Steinberg, An Arab rapper in La La land, Times of Israel, November 11, 2012
Acting work Zakout's first acting role was as Amir in the 2016 film Junction 48, directed by Udi Aloni. In 2018, Zakout played Hummus Guy #1 in Sameh Zoabi's Tel Aviv on Fire.
Dugri and "Let's talk straight" In 2021, Zakout collaborated with Israeli rapper Uriya Rosenman to create the video "Let's talk straight | בוא נדבר דוגרי | تعال نحكي دغري". The video went viral during Israel's 2021 bombardment of Gaza. Zakout and Rosenman started touring as the duo Dugri. Translated into English, the word dugri means 'straight' and may refer to the type straight speech of Israeli sabras.Tamar Katriel, Talking Straight: Dugri Speech in Israeli Sabra Culture The duo posted a second single, 'Munfas', to YouTube in November 2021.
References
External links Official Website (archived)
Further reading Christian Science Monitor, August 30, 2006 Article at moreintelligentlife.com Article at EW.com Article at USA Today Article at Haaretz.com