The Holiday Season is upon us, and as we gather with friends and family to share the joy, it’s hard to not also think about the hurt in the world, the divisions, the wars, and especially so many children in pain and having little hope for the future.

That was what inspired singer/songwriter Antoine Elhashem (el Hashem) to write “Save Love This December” one Saturday morning in September. He wanted to write a message of unity and togetherness, and then release the song as a fundraiser to help children in need and struggling in wars. Antoine gifted the song to The Q Musicale (Toronto’s annual 2SLGBTQIA+ live entertainment music festival), and brought together a most wonderful group of artists to be involved in creating the song and releasing it to the world.

Blxck Cxsper created the music, mixed and mastered it, and provided a beautiful rap section to the song, while Elana Harte sound engineered and guided the production, and Sherry Sylvain and Antoine produced. Performers include Aaron De Sousa, Blxck Cxsper, el Hashem, Elana Harte, James Forrester, Kalyssa, Maria Allass, Nelson Sanchez, Nuepa, Sherry Sylvain, and Vanessa Tavares.

The hope is to raise as much funds as possible this Holiday Season for the partnered charity, Save the Children Canada, with plans to keep the fundraising efforts going into the future year with a number of remix releases.

The song is featured on Bandcamp, and available on all music services worldwide. A music video will accompany, directed by local Toronto filmmaker Davina Hader.

el Hashem is Canadian Lebanese singer/songwriter has been on an exciting journey over the last year since releasing a number of cover songs, originals, and EP and working currently on a full album “The Playlist WILL Make You Feel Good” to be released spring 2025. He comes from a very well known and respected Lebanese musical family, with one of his aunts considered a hugely influential singer in the history of songs in Lebanon.

The Q Musicale is a live entertainment music festival in partnership with Pride Toronto, as well as other ongoing events around Toronto. Mission is to grow opportunities available to 2SLGBTQIA+ artists and allies, and to amplify the voice on indie artists in general.

About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, lifestyle, entertainment and hospitality. He has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He enjoys discovering delicious eats, tasting spirited treats, and being mesmerized by musical beats.