This week, Syrian singer Wasfi Maasarani performed in Damascus, marking his return after 13 years in exile. The concert celebrated the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad and featured revolutionary songs that have rallied Syrians in their struggle. Organized by the Molham Volunteering Team, the event created an atmosphere of hope and unity among attendees, who expressed their emotions and solidarity with song and new flags.
This week, a vibrant concert in Damascus celebrated the return of renowned singer Wasfi Maasarani, marking his first performance in Syria after 13 years of exile. Maasarani, a prominent figure in the Syrian uprising, has spent years supporting the rebel cause through his music while touring internationally. Organized by the Molham Volunteering Team, the event also celebrated a month since the successful overthrow of former President Bashar al-Assad.
The concert featured revolutionary songs that have historically united Syrians during years of conflict and resistance. Songs by Maasarani, alongside the works of Abdelbasset Sarout—a celebrated singer and activist deceased in 2019—echoed through the hall, reminding attendees of their long struggle. Many in attendance, including opponents of Assad’s regime, expressed their emotions through song and joined in the celebration of Syria’s hard-won victory.
As the concert progressed, audience members illuminated the dimly lit venue with their phones and waved the new revolutionary flag, symbolizing hope and unity. One prominent banner proclaimed, “It is Syria the Great, not Syria the Assad,” emphasizing a collective vision for the nation’s future free from dictatorship. Songs such as Maasarani’s “Jabeenak ’Ali w Ma Bintal”—first performed in 2012—reminisce of the Free Syrian Army’s inception, established to challenge Assad’s regime during the civil conflict.
The Syrian uprising began in 2011 as citizens protested against the oppressive rule of Bashar al-Assad. Over time, these protests evolved into a protracted civil war that resulted in significant loss and upheaval within the country. Artists and musicians, such as Wasfi Maasarani and Abdelbasset Sarout, became crucial voices for the opposition, utilizing their craft to inspire and mobilize the populace against the regime. Their works have played a major role in shaping the narrative of revolution and resistance in Syria.
The recent concert by Wasfi Maasarani signifies a pivotal moment of celebration for Syrians following the month-long overthrow of Bashar al-Assad. As Maasarani returns to his homeland, he reinforces the enduring spirit of resistance and revolution through music. The gathering illuminated hope and unity among the crowd, reminiscent of the once fractured yet resilient Syrian society, striving for a brighter future under a new regime.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
