Syrians Celebrate Victory Through Song Concerts Post-Assad’s Overthrow

Wasfi Maasarani celebrated his return to Syria after thirteen years in exile with a concert in Damascus, marking a month since Assad’s overthrow. The event featured revolutionary songs that have inspired Syrians during their long struggle. Attendees collectively expressed their aspirations for a liberated Syria, waving flags and holding banners that reflect their hopes for the future.

On Wednesday, a spirited concert in Damascus celebrated Syria’s recent transformation, featuring singer Wasfi Maasarani, a prominent figure of the Syrian revolution. Maasarani returned to Syria after thirteen years in exile, engaging in musical tours across the US and Europe to support the uprising. This event, organized by the Molham Volunteering Team, coincided with a month since the former President Bashar al-Assad was ousted by a rapid insurgency.

Revolutionary anthems performed by Wasfi Maasarani and Abdelbasset Sarout, the late activist and singer, have been instrumental in uniting Syrians during the protracted struggle that has encompassed nearly fourteen years of conflict. Many dissenters, like Maasarani, fled amid the chaos, with uncertainty surrounding their return. During the performance, concertgoers lit up the venue with their phone lights, swaying and singing along, with some shedding tears of joy as they waved the new revolutionary Syrian flag adorned with three stars.

A prominent lyric from Maasarani reads, “Jabeenak ’Ali w Ma Bintal,” originally sung in 2012 as an homage to the Free Syrian Army formed to challenge Assad’s regime. The atmosphere became charged with hope as the audience displayed a banner proclaiming, “It is Syria the Great, not Syria the Assad,” signifying the public’s desire for a unified and liberated nation. This moment represented not only Maasarani’s return but also a collective yearning for freedom and justice across Syria.

The Syrian uprising, which began in 2011, escalated into a multifaceted civil war involving various factions and external influences. Artists like Wasfi Maasarani played a critical role in galvanizing support for the opposition through music, serving as a voice for freedom and resistance against the Assad regime. Maasarani’s exile in the United States allowed him to reach global audiences while continuing to advocate for the rights and aspirations of the Syrian people, embodying the spirit of their struggle for sovereignty and reform. The recent concert signifies a pivotal moment reflecting the current sentiment in Syria as citizens celebrate their newfound autonomy after the transition of power following Assad’s regime. Such events underscore the intertwining of culture and activism in the quest for social change and national pride in post-revolution Syria.

In conclusion, the concert held by Wasfi Maasarani in Damascus not only marked his return but also symbolized the collective celebration of Syria’s liberation from authoritarian rule. Emphasizing the role of music in revolution, it showcased the resilience and hope of the Syrian people as they embrace their cultural heritage while fostering a future grounded in freedom and democracy. The overwhelming response from the audience highlights their commitment to pursuing a unified Syria, free from oppression.

Original Source: www.scmp.com