Music From Tahrir: Eight Songs of the January 25th Revolution
The past few weeks have been a challenging and inspiring time for many of us in Cairo. Many musicians, local and world-renowned, have produced songs inspired by the momentous demonstrations in Tahrir. Take a look at our selection of eight great songs, with many more to follow in the coming days as we hear that several musicians are back in the studio, putting the final touches to their productions.
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fgw_zfLLvh8) by Hany Adel, Amir Eid and Hawary on Guitar
This beautifully shot video features the vocals of Hany Adel from Wust El Balad as well as Amir Eid, as they walk through the crowds of demonstrators in Tahrir square. Following a simple formula reminiscent of Bob Dylan, each shot features different protestors carrying posters of the lyrics as they sing: from the sweet potato seller to the Al Azhar Sheikh and the little girl with her father. The song's lyrics are poignant and inspiring, talking about breaking barriers, using hopes and dreams as ammunition against oppression, and the voice of freedom calling on every street in Cairo. This version (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHgzJIkFP7s&feature=related) carries English subtitles.
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8NUbClPut0) by Aziz El Shaffei and Ramy Gammal
This heartbreaking song was written for the martyrs of the January 25th revolution. The lyrics are written from the perspective of a fallen revolutionary singing to his country and his mother. 'In my body there is a bullet and lead/ Your flag is in my hand.../I die I die for my country to live.' The song features photograph stills from the demonstrations, as well as a few photographs of those who died in the revolution. Watch the version with English subtitles here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--uhaQb2BZU&feature=related).
]]>by Omar Offendum, The Narcicyst, Freeway, Ayah, Amir Suleiman
Using theTwitter hash tag in their song title may be indicative of just how powerful a role Twitter had during the revolution, or it could just be a typo. This collaborative rap song was inspired by the January 25th revolution. Backed by a heavy cello, the songs kicks off powerfully, the lyrics and the sincerity of the raping vocals embody the anger and powerful uprising of a people's movement. 'I heard they said the revolution won't be televised/ Al Jazeera proved them wrong/ Twitter has them paralysed/ 80 million strong and ain't no longer going to be terrorised/' are just a few of the powerful lyrics.
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mp0fj8D8Ero)by Sabry
Written and produced by Digla, this song features the sincere vocals of Sabry, who sings 'Yes, sir/ Yes, sir/ You who have shown me nothing but torture.' The video features shots of some of the most powerful images seen throughout the demonstrations. Accompanied by a heavy table beat and oriental instruments, the song is moving and perfectly symbolic of the Egyptian sentiment.
by Ahmed Mekky feat. Mohamed Mohsen
Egyptian actor Ahmed Mekky raps in honour of the demonstrations and Tahrir square, praising it as a place of unity for Muslims and Christians, illiterate and intellectuals, rich and poor, where moral principles are at their finest and people feel safe together. He warns that demonstrators are patient, but if pushed will be a force to reckon with. 'I don't want humiliation or injustice/I want recognition,' he raps, as Mohamed Mohsen sings 'The Egyptian's dignity is very valuable to him/ He wants his dignity back and to end all corruption.'
The singer's identity may be unknown, but anyone who was in Tahrir Square over the past few weeks would probably recognise this song, which has been viewed over half a million times. Perched on a stage facing the masses of demonstrators at night with nothing but a mic and an acoustic guitar, the singer made a medley of some of the most popular chants during the demonstrations: 'We are all one hand/And we asked for one thing/ Leave, Leave, Leave, Leave/ The people want the downfall of the regime/He leaves/ We're not leaving.'
'Alo Magnoon Gedeeda-Midan Tahrir' (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxcQ-pc1ejw) by Mado Acoustic Project
This song plays on the recent Etisalat campaign sung by Mohamed Monir among others, with different lyrics to match the January 25 revolution. 'They call him crazy/ He who thinks that this country could one day change/ They call him crazy/ He who's been waiting since 1981.' It's a sweet and hopeful song that answers to cynics and critics of the Tahrir demonstrators.
by Wyclef Jean
Debuting his song on the morning of February11, 2011, Wyclef Jean sang from his studio to pay tribute to the Egyptian demonstrators. 'I see the people/ Using rocks for weapons/ This is not an exodus/ Tell the Pharaoh the people ain't leaving/ This is more like a genesis/ We want Freedom.' He ends his song with an acoustic solo as the screen blends with the Egyptian flag and images of the demonstrations.
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