Bringing The Shãm (شام) to BAM

Acclaimed Syrian-American rapper Omar Offendum premiered his hit Little Syria in the Fishman Space in 2022, and has since sold out dozens of shows around the world. Now, he’s back for a very special Fisher Takeover marking Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM), celebrating 150+ years of Arab cultural heritage in New York City. Artists from the SWANA creative community across the five boroughs will join Offendum in a five-hour event featuring live music and poetry in the Fishman Space, a gallery and marketplace downstairs, a DJ and lounge area up on the roof, short film screenings, and so much more.

Bringing the Shãm to BAM honors Bilad al-Sham, the historical name for the Levant region encompassing modern-day Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, and parts of Turkey. Signifying "the Land of Sham" or "the North" relative to Mecca, the territory has a rich history and cultural significance, having played a crucial role in many civilizations past and present.