Juno-Winning Palestinian-Canadian Singer Nemahsis Connects ‘Freaks’ with Intimate Songs of Alienation

Explore how Nemahsis’s heartfelt music bridges cultural divides, empowering outsiders through her soulful songs of identity and resilience.

From Outcast to Ally: Nemahsis’s Journey of Belonging

Imagine growing up as a Muslim girl in a predominantly white town, feeling like the eternal outsider. That was the reality for Nemahsis—born Nemah Hasan—in Milton, Ontario, during the 2000s. Surrounded by unfamiliar faces and often met with intolerance, she was branded a “weirdo” and bullied relentlessly. This pain hit home so hard that her immigrant parents forbade her from wearing a hijab—to shield her from even more harassment. Yet, stubbornly, she wore it in secret.

What started as a deeply personal struggle blossomed into something much bigger. Through her music, Nemahsis found millions of fellow “freaks” and outsiders—people wrestling with identity, alienation, and belonging. Her songs didn’t just echo her own experience; they spoke to anyone who ever felt left out or misunderstood, drawing a massive, diverse following.

Nemahsis brings her intimate stories of alienation to the world stage.

A Voice for the Voiceless

Nemahsis’s music channels an undeniable intimacy and vulnerability that resonates widely, especially within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. It’s a rare kind of magic when songs about isolation transcend personal narratives to form a collective anthem for those who feel voiceless.

Her breakthrough came in 2025 with the JUNO Awards, where she made history by snagging three nominations and winning both Breakthrough Artist of the Year and Alternative Album of the Year for her 2024 debut album Verbathim. She attracted fans like Stevie Wonder and Elton John—two legends who recognized the power behind her artistry. Wonder even attended her first-ever live show in Los Angeles, sharing how much her song what if i took it off for you? moved him. They’ve kept in touch ever since, a testament to the genuine impact of her music.

Nemahsis performing at SPIN Canada launch event.

From ‘Me’ to ‘We’: Broadening the Narrative

In a heartfelt conversation at Toronto’s SOUNDSTAGE, where she headlined the SPIN Canada launch during NXNE, Nemahsis shared how her songwriting evolved. Initially, she believed her story was unique—her “me” problem, something isolating. But as she connected with fans worldwide, she realized her pain was shared by many.

“I don’t think I’m able to write ‘you/me’ anymore; now I write very ‘we,’” Nemahsis expressed.

That shift broadens her music’s reach—from deeply personal to universally relatable. Her songs, gentle yet firm, blend the introspective style of artists like Kate Bush, Sarah Harmer, and Feist—with a punchier edge. She doesn’t scream revolutionary anthems but sparks change through representation and honesty. Tracks like what if i took it off for you? and i’m not gonna kill you tackle taboo topics like hijab, identity, and societal fears—subjects rarely seen in mainstream pop.

Nemahsis’s soulful presence on and off stage.

Survival and Strategy: Navigating Identity in the Spotlight

Being visible as a hijabi artist comes with challenges. Nemahsis revealed her calculated approach to navigating social and professional spaces—knowing when to wear a traditional hijab, a turban style, a hood, or even a hat to blend in while staying true to herself.

“I know how to maneuver in rooms as a survival mechanism,” she admitted.

Her style today reflects this balance: a dark brown scarf paired with large earrings and subtle makeup, presenting a natural but powerful vibe. Her song what if i took it off for you? was born from a young girl’s dilemma: would removing the hijab open doors, or was there a way to maintain modesty without compromising opportunity? The answer lies in her fashion choices, where modesty meets modern style, inviting both respect and admiration.

Nemahsis’s signature modest yet stylish look.

A Childhood of Quiet Rebellion

The story of Nemahsis’s hijab journey is as touching as her music. While her older sisters stopped wearing the hijab after bullying at school, Nemahsis defied her parents’ wishes by secretly donning it at age nine. This act was her form of protest—a way to embrace her identity despite the alienation.

She recalls, “I was addicted to the idea of being invisible and not being liked. Might as well do what I want.” Her bravery caught the attention of her school; teachers noticed her social skills blossoming, laughter returning, and confidence emerging where once there was silence.

Nemahsis’s early determination shines through.

Her mother, initially unaware, played along with the secret before eventually discussing Nemahsis’s feelings after reading her journal. The young artist had consciously chosen to “take away [her] physical appearance” to let her personality shine—a decision that proved transformative, opening the door to friendships despite ongoing Islamophobia.

Breaking Barriers with Every Show

Attending one of Nemahsis’s rare live shows is a revelation. Her Feb. 2025 performance at Danforth Music Hall was electric, especially seeing so many young hijabi women dancing freely and joyfully. What’s touching is that many of these fans weren’t lifelong friends but newfound admirers, whom Nemahsis greeted warmly as if they were.

She shared how her concerts serve as a rare introduction to live music for many Muslim fans. Music, often considered taboo in conservative communities, becomes accessible through her authenticity. Parents who might have been skeptical can see their daughters celebrating music safely, with Nemahsis acting as a bridge.

“For at least 30, 40 percent of my show, it’s the first show they’ve ever been to.”

Her own first concert was Marina and The Diamonds at Echo Beach, a rainy night she still remembers fondly—a small but pivotal moment that fueled her own musical dreams.

Turbulence and Triumph: Facing Backlash with Resilience

Despite her rising star, Nemahsis’s journey hasn’t been without hardship. When conflict broke out in October 2023 between Hamas and Israel, she faced a harsh reality: her record label dropped her, support vanished, and anti-Muslim hate resurfaced sharply, echoing the dark days after 9/11.

“It felt like middle school all over again... I kept laughing because I’m addicted to being the problem.”

Her manager worried as she oscillated between laughter and tears, but Nemahsis saw this setback as confirmation of an ugly truth: acceptance is fragile, and hatred can resurface in an instant. Yet, she embraces her role—“a villain in a lot of people’s stories, and it’s fine. A hooded villain,” she quipped, flashing a disarming smile.

Revolution Through Representation

Nemahsis’s music doesn’t shout revolution; it whispers it through representation. Just seeing a confident woman wearing a hijab own the stage is a powerful statement in itself. At her Danforth show, she spontaneously wrapped herself in a Palestinian flag—a silent but potent gesture of pride and protest.

Nemahsis’s proud statement at her Danforth Music Hall performance.

Her mother, a proud spectator, beamed from the crowd—a full circle moment of joy and acceptance.

Dreaming Bigger: What’s Next for Nemahsis?

Despite the challenges, Nemahsis remains a dreamer with a clear vision for her future. She imagines her perfect show complete with choreography, set design, and outfit changes—a dynamic, immersive experience that stimulates both herself and her audience.

With her deeply personal yet universally relatable songs gathering momentum, the world is ready to see Nemahsis on the grand stages she deserves.

Essential Spins and Latest Releases

• Album: Verbathim (2024)
• Recent Single: team (October 2025)
• Essential Tracks: coloured concrete, what if i took it off for you?, stick of gum, i wanna be your right hand

FAQ

• What inspired Nemahsis’s song what if i took it off for you??
  It reflects her personal struggles with wearing the hijab and society’s perception of opportunity and identity.
• How does Nemahsis connect with her audience?
  Through candid storytelling that resonates with anyone who has felt like an outsider or a “freak,” creating a shared space of belonging.
• What challenges did she face growing up?
  Bullying and Islamophobia in a mostly white town, leading her to secretly wear the hijab despite her parents’ fears.
• How has Nemahsis’s music impacted the Muslim community?
  She acts as a gateway, normalizing music and concerts for many young Muslim women who previously had little access to such experiences.
• What was a turning point in her career?
  Winning two JUNO awards in 2025 and gaining the support of icons like Stevie Wonder and Elton John.

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