Music is a weapon. A powerful
one, by any measure. The current war on Gaza is amplifying the phenomenon. This
can be heard and viewed virtually on all digital platforms.
اضافة اعلان
Songs that are made and
sung to defend a just cause, to draw the world’s attention to a humanitarian
tragedy, to blatant injustice, to oppression, and occupation, are nothing new.
Already during World War II, songs like “Le chant des partisans” (the partisans’
song) came to boost the morale of the French resistance movement and support
their fight for freedom.
When it comes to
Palestine, as early as 1967, just after the Six-Day War, celebrated Lebanese
singer Fairuz delivered a poignant message with her song titled “Zahrat al
Mada’en” (The Flower of the Cities). A Wikipedia article put it in these terms:
“A somber musical response to the Naksa, its lyrics extol the city of
Jerusalem, focusing on the situation of its population and praying for its
future liberation, with a special emphasis on its religiously diverse,
multi-confessional history.”
The particularly dire
situation in Gaza, even before last October events, had already inspired
countless artists to write and record songs to support the people there and to
make the world aware of the tragedy. Since then, however, there has been an
increase in output, both in terms of quantity and in the strength, of the power
of the lyrics. No word seems strong enough to describe the infamy the
population is enduring.
Music can change things.
At the very least, it can help ease the pain of those who are suffering.
The particularly dire situation in Gaza, even before last October events, had already inspired countless artists to write and record songs to support the people there and to make the world aware of the tragedy. Since then, however, there has been an increase in output, both in terms of quantity and in the strength, of the power of the lyrics. No word seems strong enough to describe the infamy the population is enduring.
It is interesting and
comforting to note that this artistic, generous musical output is not limited
to lyrics written in Arabic, and not just to Arab singers. One noteworthy,
celebrated musician who strongly speaks for the cause is megastar Roger Waters,
a prominent member of the English supergroup Pink Floyd.
Perhaps the most
impressive new production specifically made to support Gaza, is “Hold Your
Fire”. It was released only two weeks ago by eminent Iraqi crooner Kadim Al
Sahir who composed, interpreted, and produced the song, inspiring lyrics
contributed by Tom Lowe. It was co-produced by the United Nations Chamber Music
Society, whose choir participated in the recording.
Earlier this December,
the Ramallah Friends School choir posted a superb Arabic and English piece
titled “Song to the World”, based on the music of “Little Drummer Boy”, a
traditional Christmas tune. “Look at the children of Gaza crying. The children
of Gaza are dying from war, and the world is standing by, watching. It can see
but does not want to hear. [..] I’m a child, born to live, not to die.”
“Rajieen” (We will
return) is composed, interpreted, and produced by a group of Arab musicians,
among them, as the first credited at the end of the video, are Saif Safadi,
Dana Salah, Ghalia Chaker, and Nasir Albashir. The song is a moving, dramatic
call, with real-life footage, deep, somber music, and Arabic words. “Have we
forgotten that I am in my land, and this is my country. And in my country, I’m
imprisoned”. Overall, the melodic lines are slow, but parts of the songs are in
a spoken-like rap style. Posted one month ago, it has five million views to
this date.
One viewer's comment to
the video is particularly emotional: “Palestinians, I am sorry for being blind
all my life to your sufferings, I am sorry for being deaf all my life to your
cries for help. […] I am sorry for not involving you in my prayers earlier.”
“Ana Dammi Falastini” (My
blood is Palestinian) is sung by Mohammad Assaf, Abdallah Al Saaydeh and Ahmad
Al Darayseh. Also released one month ago, the song is performed in Arabic,
against the backdrop of a strong, energic drum pattern that comes to emphasize
its powerful message.
It is interesting and comforting to note that this artistic, generous musical output is not limited to lyrics written in Arabic, and not just to Arab singers. One noteworthy, celebrated musician who strongly speaks for the cause is megastar Roger Waters, a prominent member of the English supergroup Pink Floyd.
“Falasteen Biladi” (Palestine
is my country) is an Arabic song by Humood al Khuder. It was posted just 3
weeks ago and already has eight million views. “We are Jerusalem, Acre, and
Jaffa, we are in Gaza and the heart of Jenin”. The music is that of a typical
Arabic trendy pop song and appeals to a large audience.
“Palestine Will Be Free”
is an English song by Maher Zain. It features the sweet, melancholic sound of
the nay (the Arabic flute) and the beautiful voice of the singer. It was posted
14 years ago and has 21 million views. The music is exquisite. The words go
“Every day we tell each other that this day will be, will be the last, and
tomorrow we all can go home free.”
“Salaam li Gaza” (Salute to Gaza) is
already four years old. It was composed by Palestinian musician Suhail Khoury.
The inspired words were written by renowned poet Fuad Srouji. The performance
is by the Choir of the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music in Gaza.
“Salute to Gaza, salute, salute, salute. Salute to all the sad eyes.”
"We Will Not Go Down
(Song for Gaza)" is a superb English song written and sung by Michael
Heart. From the purely musical and vocal viewpoints, this is one of the finest
pieces that cover the subject. The arrangements are that of a typical pop-folk
American song, especially the subtle acoustic guitar, except for part of the
drumming that is done with the regional Arabic “tableh” hand drum. Heart calls
it “A song of hope”.
MC Abdul is a teenager
and a true phenomenon. His sense of rhythm is exceptional, and so is his tight
delivery of the words, belted out in rap style, in excellent English, in
perfect timing. His video “Shouting at the Wall” features heart-breaking poetry.
A sample: “My sister couldn’t sleep, I tried to stop her cries, I said it was
fireworks, I was telling her lies.”
"World Goes
Blind" by Samer was posted two years ago but remains perfectly relevant in
today’s context. Among the post-October releases is “Palestine Will Never Die”
by Lowkey, done in an inspired, well-blended mix of English and Arabic.
Jean-Claude Elias is a computer engineer and a classically trained pianist and guitarist. He has been regularly writing IT articles, reviewing music albums, and covering concerts for more than 30 years.
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