Wasfi Maasarani performed in a concert in Damascus, celebrating Syria’s recent victory after Assad’s overthrow. Marking his return after 13 years in exile, Maasarani’s music plays an essential role in the ongoing revolutionary spirit. The night featured emotional performances, the waving of the revolutionary flag, and highlighted the power of music in unifying the people in their quest for freedom.
In a vibrant concert at a packed Damascus venue, renowned Syrian singer Wasfi Maasarani performed to celebrate Syria’s recent victory one month after the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad. Marking his first return to Syria in 13 years after residing in Los Angeles, Maasarani has continuously supported the Syrian revolutionary movement through his musical tours across the United States and Europe.
The event, orchestrated by the Molham Volunteering Team, a humanitarian organization established by Syrian students, highlighted the significance of revolutionary music during Syria’s prolonged uprising, which began in 2011 and transformed into a civil war. Songs by artists like Maasarani and the late Abdelbasset Sarout have inspired many throughout the conflict, embodying defiance against the Assad regime.
Fleeing opponents of Assad, including Maasarani, faced uncertainties about their return, but on this emotional night, the concert hall illuminated with mobile phone lights as the audience swayed and sang along, some shedding tears. Many waved the new revolutionary flag, emblazoned with three stars, while a banner proudly declared, “It is Syria the Great, not Syria the Assad.”
Maasarani’s popular song “Jabeenak ’Ali w Ma Bintal,” first performed in 2012, pays tribute to the Free Syrian Army—an assembly of defectors and civilian fighters formed in response to Assad’s oppressive regime. The anthem continues to resonate among those yearning for freedom and justice in Syria.
Overall, the concert served as a poignant reminder of the resilience and determination of the Syrian people in pursuing their quest for liberty. It showcased the power of music in uniting individuals while fostering hope despite challenges faced over the past years.
Returned to a celebratory atmosphere, Maasarani’s performance reflected the collective spirit of those who have fought for a better Syria, emphasizing their ongoing struggle for peace and dignity. The event illustrated the vital role that art and culture play in times of political upheaval and aspiration towards a brighter future.
The concert by Wasfi Maasarani in Damascus occurred one month after a swift uprising that resulted in the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad, marking a significant moment in Syrian history. Revolutionary music, particularly that created by artists like Maasarani and Sarout, became a powerful tool for mobilizing opposition against the regime during the initial years of conflict, which has now spanned nearly fourteen years. The return of exiled artists to their homeland often serves as a symbolic act of hope and solidarity with their compatriots who continue to endure the repercussions of war and tyranny.
The concert highlighted the vibrant spirit and resilience of the Syrian people as they rally around their cultural symbols amidst ongoing tumult. It underscored the critical role of artists in fostering community solidarity and the continual aspiration for freedom. As exiled artists like Maasarani return to their homeland to celebrate victories, it becomes clear that music remains a vital force in the fight for justice and human rights in Syria.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
