From Hamas tunnels to the stage: Sagui Dekel-Chen unveils album written in captivity
The former hostage composed and memorized nine songs during 498 days in captivity, then performed them before 3,000 people in Nir Oz, including deeply personal pieces inspired by his wife, daughters and the baby born while he was held in Gaza
On the central lawn of Kibbutz Nir Oz, a place of mourning since October 7, music filled the air on a night that resembled a small Woodstock. Former hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen, abducted from the kibbutz, unveiled his debut album, "Minus One," at the event. All nine songs on the album were written and composed during the 498 days he spent in Hamas captivity, in an underground level of a tunnel.
Dekel-Chen, who was released on February 15, 2025, had never intended to be a singer or to sing. He was kidnapped, with an injured arm, a leg in a cast, and his body restrained. Music became a source of strength for him, helping him preserve hope, health and sanity in captivity. Initially, he memorized songs by other artists, but after months, he began composing his own.
He was released from captivity and recorded the songs on his phone in a side room while hospitalized. Finally, he performed the songs in a live concert, marking a significant milestone in his journey of recovery and healing.
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