Abdel Basset al-Sarout, a prominent voice of the Syrian revolution, inspired change through his music, created with lyricist Ayman al-Masri. Tragically killed in 2019, Sarout’s songs now resonate openly in Syria, reflecting the revolution’s lasting impact. Masri, the unsung hero behind the lyrics, continues to write about hope and rebuilding, showcasing the enduring power of art in times of conflict.
HOMS, Syria — Abdel Basset al-Sarout’s visage is a symbol of the Syrian revolution, featured prominently on flags, clothing, and public transport. His voice is equally pervasive, heard in ringtones and at protests. Once a national youth soccer goalkeeper, Sarout became a leading protester against President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Following Assad’s ousting last December, Sarout’s songs are sung openly, celebrated by children who learned them in secret. Tragically, Sarout was killed in 2019 at 27 in conflict with government forces.
In Homs, NPR found Ayman al-Masri, the largely unknown 52-year-old lyricist behind Sarout’s popular songs. Prior to the uprising in 2011, Masri ran a car parts business and a cake factory. Once protests started, he dedicated himself to organizing demonstrations. A music enthusiast, he began composing songs for local activists, ultimately partnering with Sarout, whose charisma captured the hearts of many. Masri describes their initial meeting, affirming their instantaneous creative bond.
Masri claims, “Al-Sarout had a rare charisma and kindness; he understood me, and I him.” Their collaboration produced around 130 songs and chants, notably “Janna, janna, janna,” an anthem of resistance that significantly motivated protests, with lyrics celebrating their homeland. Many young Syrians, like 14-year-old Marwan Jnani, learned this anthem secretly due to the dangerous political climate, exemplifying its impact and the high stakes involved in the revolution.
As their influence grew, so did the peril they faced. Masri recalls the need for constant mobility to evade government forces. The situation worsened in 2012 with a brutal siege of Homs, leading to widespread destruction and starvation. Despite this, the pair chose to remain. Masri’s lyrics transitioned from celebratory to mournful as tragedy struck, prompting him to compose about loss and grief. One poignant piece addressed his mother, reflecting his emotional depth during the chaos of war.
Masri and Sarout navigated the fractured city, often under duress, using sewage tunnels to meet and share new lyrics. Their once harmonious partnership began to fray as Sarout pursued armed conflict, while Masri remained committed to nonviolence through his writing. Sarout subsequently endorsed extremist groups in a desperate bid for survival. Ultimately, Sarout left Homs, emboldened by the tragedy surrounding him but increasingly driven by violence.
Sarout’s death in the conflict brought immense loss. His nephew, Mohammad, recounts the last farewell before Sarout was fatally injured. His passing marked the end of a vibrant chapter in Syrian musical and revolutionary history. Khalid, a close friend, reflects on the void left by Sarout’s absence, indicating that a crucial part of their story remains untold. Masri, now without his creative partner, surveys Homs, feeling Sarout’s enduring presence amid the ruins.
Masri illustrates their shared history through his recollections and a worn notebook containing lyrics. Despite the absence of an official catalog of his work, he continues to remember and honor Sarout’s legacy. He has returned to writing, shifting his focus to themes of resilience, aspiration, and rebuilding, signalling a new era post-revolution.
The hope for a brighter future resonates in Masri’s new songs, reflecting personal and collective healing amidst the still palpable scars of war. The impact of Sarout’s music continues to be felt in the hearts of those living under the shadow of war, embodying a testament to the power of art in times of struggle.
Abdel Basset al-Sarout emerged as a significant figure during the Syrian revolution, with his music serving as a rallying cry against oppression. Collaborating with lyricist Ayman al-Masri, their songs encapsulated the spirit of resistance amidst turmoil. After Sarout’s tragic death, Masri continues to honor his legacy while shifting his songwriting focus towards themes of hope and rebuilding. The enduring influence of their music reminds us of the profound impact art can have in challenging times.
Original Source: www.wxxinews.org
