The Legacy of Music in Syria’s Revolution: Abdel Basset al-Sarout…

Abdel Basset al-Sarout symbolizes Syrian resistance, with his music inspiring revolution while lyricist Ayman al-Masri penned many of his songs. Their collaboration emerged from the early protests against the regime, leading to anthems that echoed defiance during the siege of Homs. Despite the dangers they faced, their creative bond flourished until Sarout’s tragic death in 2019. Masri now seeks to preserve their legacy while fostering hope for Syria’s future.

Abdel Basset al-Sarout has become a prominent symbol of resistance in Syria, his face and voice serving as a backdrop to the revolution against the Assad regime. Previously a goalkeeper for the national youth soccer team, Sarout transitioned into a key protest figure at just 19. Following the regime’s ousting of Bashar al-Assad, Sarout’s music is now celebrated publicly, echoed joyously by children who memorized his lyrics in secrecy during the conflict.

Central to Sarout’s music is Ayman al-Masri, a lesser-known lyricist who penned approximately 130 songs, including the iconic protest anthem “Janna, janna, janna.” Masri, initially a businessman, became involved in organizing protests in 2011 when the revolution began. Their partnership developed rapidly after Sarout sought refuge in Masri’s home, where their shared dedication to the cause led to a prolific creative collaboration.

Sarout and Masri’s music resonated deeply with the activists of Homs, especially songs like “Janna” which encapsulated their longing for freedom and resistance. Children remember learning the lyrics covertly, careful to avoid the regime’s wrath. As violence escalated, their songs became a defiant response to the oppression experienced by Syrian citizens during the regime’s brutal crackdown.

The growing fame of Sarout and Masri brought increased danger, resulting in attempts on their lives. As Assad’s forces laid siege to Homs, the situation worsened drastically—entailing widespread destruction and significant civilian casualties. Despite being under constant threat, the duo persisted, with Masri’s lyrics evolving to reflect the darker realities of war as they witnessed friends and family fall to violence and starvation.

Amidst this turmoil, Masri remained a pacifist while Sarout took up arms, showcasing a fundamental shift in their perspectives. Their bonds strained under the pressure of conflict, and Sarout ultimately left Homs, driven by a desire for liberation. Just before his untimely death in battle in 2019, Sarout had increasingly steered toward violence, reflecting the toll of war on his spirit and mindset.

Following Sarout’s death, his legacy endures through Masri, who now navigates a city significantly marked by their shared history. Although Sarout’s physical presence is absent, his influence is palpable—children still identify with his story and music in the ruins of their former home. Masri, with a spiral-bound notebook containing their lyrics, aims to keep alive the spirit of their partnership.

In the wake of the regime’s fall, Masri has resumed writing, focusing on themes of hope and reconstruction. His artistic journey symbolizes resilience amidst adversity, as he seeks to channel the memories of Sarout and the revolution into a vision for a brighter future.

Abdel Basset al-Sarout’s music and Ayman al-Masri’s lyrics played pivotal roles in expressing the collective defiance of the Syrian people against oppression. Their partnership not only fostered a rich cultural tapestry in Homs but also illustrated the transformative power of art in times of conflict. Today, as Masri continues to write, he honors the legacy of their struggle for freedom and the vibrant spirit of resistance that Sarout embodied.

Original Source: www.wxxinews.org