Photo Credit: Seren King + Molly Morgans
Words: Sofia Lavender-Callow

It was a busy Saturday night in Cardiff city centre and in iconic rock club Fuel, local talents were gearing up to play a Gig for Gaza. Being an all-ages event, a diverse crowd started to fill the room and the sold-out event began. 

Mooney, starting her DJ set fashionably late, brought hyperpop bangers seamlessly blended into one another. ‘212’ by Azelia Banks ensured no one was standing still and the crowd was hyped and ready for the following five acts. Sunglasses on and entourage in the booth, she left us with Icona pop and Charli XCX’s ‘I don’t care’ to have us dancing into the evening.

She quickly took her place among friends in the crowd and Samantha, who had just been cheering Moony on, took her place on stage. With her strong faith being what powers her to write and perform, her silky vocals sang original tunes such as ethereal ‘Rollercoaster’ and classics that had the whole crowd singing and clapping alike. Her charismatic self had the audience gripped. 

Trainspotters, who had only been told they were a last minute replacement a few hours prior, were up next. The Britpop inspired boy band were full of character and vibrancy. Not just your classic 4-piece indie set up, their talented crew includes a keyboard, tambourine and personality to spare. Their recent single ‘Have you been smoking lately?’ had the band bouncing off each other’s energies. 

Singer-songwriter Meela then entered the stage with the presence of someone who’s been performing for years. With her setlist written over the Palestine flag, she emphasised ‘it’s so incredible to see so many people come together for such an important cause’. Meela and band performed original songs, made with Meg Uppington, Cardiff producer who joined them on stage to perform, along with feel good ‘I Will Survive’ over ‘Free Palestine’ being chanted in the crowd. 

Snail, a Swansea based alternative band released their first EP in November of 2025. They played through the motions of this album with their heavy, grunge-influenced guitar music, with each member shining it was hard to keep focus. The lead singer playing impressive guitar riffs yet still holding notes like a pro, the young group dedicated their last song to Gaza.

Dear Strangers, a band that emphasises and channels the importance of live music, were the final new act of the night. Well established in Cardiff’s independent music scene, the rock band are everything the scene is about, passion and vibrancy. By the time they took the stage, the packed room had heated up, but the band kept a tired crowd moving with their songs ‘Ivy’ and ‘Submarine’.

Finally, to keep the party going, DJ Moony returned to her booth and played long into the evening.