Abdel Basset al-Sarout became a prominent figure in Syria’s revolution, known for his music and protest leadership against the Assad regime. Despite his death in 2019, his legacy continues as children joyfully sing his songs in the streets. Ayman al-Masri, the lyricist behind many of Sarout’s songs, is now revitalizing his songwriting with themes of hope and rebuilding after the regime’s fall, ensuring their revolutionary spirit lives on.
In Syria, the name Abdel Basset al-Sarout resonates deeply, his image emblazoned on flags and merchandise across the nation. A once-prominent goalkeeper, he transitioned into a courageous protest leader against the Assad regime, becoming a symbol of the country’s uprising. Tragically, he was killed in 2019 at the age of 27, but his music has regained freedom now that Assad has been ousted. Children born during the revolution sing his songs, having learned them in secrecy.
Ayman al-Masri, a 52-year-old lyricist largely unknown within Syria, played a pivotal role in al-Sarout’s rise. Before the revolution in 2011, he sold car parts and baked cakes. However, when anti-regime protests erupted, Masri became one of their key organizers and started penning lyrics for various local artists, with al-Sarout being his most notable collaborator. They formed a profound bond during their initial meeting, which led to a creative partnership that resulted in around 130 songs, including the famous protest anthem “Janna, janna, janna.”
“Janna, janna, janna,” meaning “paradise,” captures the spirit of the uprising and became a rallying cry among demonstrators. Young protestors, like 14-year-old Marwan Jnani, recall memorizing the song in fear, aware of the consequences if they were caught singing it. Despite the threats from regime forces, they united through the defiant lyrics, highlighting the collective courage during the uprising’s early days.
As the revolution intensified, al-Masri and al-Sarout faced mounting dangers, including assassination attempts. They often found refuge with supportive locals as the regime’s siege of Homs commenced following increased violence. Civilians fled, but the two men chose to remain, adapting to a harsher reality as Masri’s lyrics became darker and mournful in response to the escalating violence.
The duo adapted their tactics to survive the brutal urban warfare, navigating through Homs using the city’s sewage system to evade the regime. A significant divergence arose as their perspectives on resistance evolved; Masri remained a committed pacifist, while al-Sarout took up arms, feeling compelled to fight for liberation. This shift reflected the broader struggles faced by many Syrians, torn between hope, survival, and resistance.
Ultimately, al-Sarout was forced to flee Homs, highlighted by an endorsement of the extremist group ISIS before his departure. His friend and fellow fighter, Raed al-Khalid, witnessed the transformation of the once-joyful singer into a hardened warrior, illustrating both the burdens and sacrifices made throughout the conflict. Sarout was eventually injured and died shortly after, leaving a poignant legacy intertwined with sorrow and longing.
Following the regime’s collapse, Masri reflects on the enduring memory of al-Sarout in Homs. Though the landscape remains scarred by war, he hopes to revive the spirit of resilience through music. He is now inspired to write new songs that focus on life and hope, resurrecting their bond through the words they once shared. Masri’s handwritten notebook, filled with their first songs, serves as a testament to their collaboration and the revolutionary spirit intertwined with their journeys.
In conclusion, the story of Abdel Basset al-Sarout and Ayman al-Masri is a profound representation of the Syrian revolution’s emotional landscape. Their collaboration united voices for freedom and encapsulated the spirit of resistance, while simultaneously highlighting the personal sacrifices and losses endured during the conflict. As Masri re-emerges to share tales of resilience and hope, the legacy of their music continues to inspire future generations, proving that art can be a powerful vehicle for change even amidst devastation.
In summation, the narrative of Abdel Basset al-Sarout and Ayman al-Masri illustrates the intertwining of music with the spirit of resistance during the Syrian revolution. Their partnership produced powerful anthems that galvanized countless individuals in their fight for freedom. While tragedy marked al-Sarout’s untimely death, Masri’s ongoing efforts to create music of hope signify that the essence of their collaboration will endure, inspiring new generations to rebuild and aspire for a brighter future.
Original Source: www.wxxinews.org
