'We have to be more bold': Syria's musicians await future under new Islamist leaders

Syria is home to a vibrant electronic music scene, and many musicians are now contemplating what the future holds under the new Islamist leadership. Recently, DJ and musician Maher Green expressed his thoughts on the situation, emphasizing the need for musicians to be well-prepared before engaging with the new government led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS. This group has historical ties to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, but they claim to have distanced themselves from their extremist past. Maher stated, 'We have to be organized before we go to them, because they are so organized. ' He believes that a logical and well-thought-out proposal is essential for a productive conversation about the future of music in Syria. The civil war, which lasted nearly 14 years, significantly transformed the music landscape in Syria. Initially, the heavy metal scene gained momentum, and as the conflict subsided, a flourishing electronic music and dance show industry emerged, revitalizing Syrian nightlife. Maher noted that they had previously established a way to communicate with the security services of the former regime. He explained, 'They didn't understand the gathering of 50 boys and girls and dancing in such a goofy way. ' Over the years, they managed to build a relationship with the authorities, allowing their events to proceed peacefully. In contrast, the Assad regime was less tolerant of heavy metal music, viewing it as a Western subculture associated with Satanism. Nael al-Hadidi, a music shop owner, recounted his experiences with the intelligence forces, stating, 'I went to the intelligence force maybe three times, just because I sold this kind of music. ' He was forced to sign documents promising not to sell such music again. However, the onset of the civil war shifted the focus of the authorities, allowing a vibrant heavy metal scene to flourish, which was even documented in a film titled 'Syrian Metal is War. ' Unfortunately, the war also led to a mass exodus of musicians seeking better opportunities abroad. Nael lamented, 'Ninety percent of my friends are now in Europe, the Netherlands and Germany. ' Wajd Khair, another musician, chose to stay in Syria but stopped making music in 2011 when the violence escalated. He felt that no lyrics could adequately capture the reality of the situation. However, last year, he resumed his musical pursuits and is now contemplating the implications of HTS's leadership on creative freedom. Wajd asserted, 'We have to be more bold. We have to be heard. We have to let all the people know that we are here. ' He believes it is crucial for musicians to assert their presence and voice their concerns in the current climate. Wajd expressed cautious optimism when he observed the new leaders' apparent openness to diverse ideas. However, he was alarmed to hear that HTS had closed the Opera House, which would signal a troubling trend for the arts. Fortunately, this turned out to be a false alarm, and the Opera House is set to reopen soon. HTS has made promises to respect rights and freedoms, and they seem to be aware of the cosmopolitan culture of Damascus. For instance, state television recently attempted to broadcast Islamic chanting but quickly retracted it after social media backlash. In the square outside the Opera House, Safana Bakleh was leading a choir in performing revolutionary songs, joined by enthusiastic young people. She remarked, 'It's maybe not going to be an easy path, but we are still very hopeful for the future. ' Safana believes that a large group of artists and musicians is committed to shaping a better future for Syria. However, they are wary of exchanging one form of authoritarianism for another. Nael al-Hadidi expressed his hope that HTS would uphold their promises regarding freedom, stating, 'We don't want to be another Afghanistan or another country ruled by a specific party. ' Maher Green stressed the importance of the artistic community acting swiftly. He noted that HTS is currently preoccupied with various pressing issues, such as the economy and establishing a new government. He said, 'We are trying to organize ourselves before they start looking at culture. ' The musicians aim to unite their voices and present their ideas cohesively. Many are experimenting with blending traditional Arabic music with electronic beats. Maher pointed out that the culture of the Islamist rebels primarily revolves around religious songs, which he views as a regression. He believes that the music scene in Syria has evolved significantly and possesses a rich tapestry of cultural influences. In conclusion, the music scene in Syria has faced numerous challenges but has also demonstrated resilience and creativity. As the country embarks on a new chapter, musicians are eager to explore how they can continue to thrive and express themselves in this evolving landscape.