The Legacy of Abdel Basset al-Sarout: A Revolution in Music

Abdel Basset al-Sarout, a celebrated protest singer in Syria, symbolizes the uprising against the Assad regime. Co-created by lyricist Ayman al-Masri, their songs captured the spirit of resistance and hope. While Sarout was tragically killed in 2019, Masri continues to create music that embodies the resilience and future of a post-revolution Syria.

In Syria, Abdel Basset al-Sarout has emerged as a symbol of resistance, with his face adorning flags, merchandise, and public spaces. Once a goalkeeper for the youth soccer team, he became renowned as a protest singer against President Bashar al-Assad. Following the regime’s ouster in December, Sarout’s music can now be played publicly. Sadly, he was killed in 2019 at the age of 27, leaving a legacy intertwined with the uprising’s spirit.

The lyricist behind many of Sarout’s songs is Ayman al-Masri, a largely unnoticed figure in Syria despite his impactful contributions. Before the revolution, Masri was a businessman, but he transformed into a protest organizer and songwriter when demonstrations erupted in 2011. His collaboration with Sarout commenced after the singer sought refuge in Masri’s home amidst the early protests, leading to a prolific partnership.

Their collaboration produced 130 songs, with the most famous being “Janna, janna, janna,” which inspired numerous protesters. This poignant anthem became synonymous with the uprising, encapsulating the hopes and dreams of the people, even as many faced severe threats for singing its lyrics. Masri reminisces about the joy felt in those early revolutionary days while the atmosphere in Homs was still hopeful.

As their notoriety increased, so did the dangers they faced from the regime. They constantly relocated to evade assassination attempts and remained hidden with the help of sympathetic locals. Homs, a major center of resistance, faced brutal bombardments that escalated as civilians fled the city, yet Sarout and Masri chose to remain, continuing to create music that spoke to their reality.

The tone of Masri’s lyrics began to shift from hopeful to somber as suffering grew rampant. As despair set in post-bombardment, he penned heartfelt tributes to lost comrades. One poignant lyric reflects a mother’s grief for her martyr son, illustrating the personal tragedies inflicted by the war. As they navigated through the war-torn city, their friendship and creativity persisted, even as they began to diverge in ideology regarding violence and its role in the revolution.

With increasing pressure and loss, Sarout eventually took up arms, diverging from Masri’s pacifist views. This led to a pivotal moment when he expressed a willingness to align with extremist factions, a decision that strained their relationship. As the toll of the war mounted, Sarout’s compassion gradually transformed into weariness.

In 2019, Sarout was tragically killed shortly after being evacuated due to severe injuries inflicted by artillery fire. His nephew, among the last to see him, deeply felt the impact of his loss. The end of the regime was bittersweet for Khalid, Sarout’s friend who reflects on the missing chapter of his story.

Although Masri now wanders Homs, he is haunted by the memories of his partnership with Sarout. While he recognizes the spirit of his friend remains in the city, he is motivated to create new music that embodies hope and renewal. This artistic revival symbolizes the resilience and potential for a brighter future amidst the scars left by conflict, marking a bittersweet but hopeful new chapter for Masri.

Abdel Basset al-Sarout remains an enduring emblem of resistance in Syria, inspiring generations through his music and spirit. His partnership with lyricist Ayman al-Masri portrays the triumphs and tragedies of their creative process during the Syrian revolution. Despite the loss of Sarout, Masri seeks to commemorate their shared legacy through new songs that reflect hope and the journey toward rebuilding. The evolution of their story underscores the profound impact of music as a tool for expression amid oppression.

Original Source: www.wxxinews.org