Ibrahim Qashoush’s Revolutionary Popular Songs: Resistance Music in the 2011 Syrian Revolution

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis study examines the forms and understanding of resistance in the Syrian uprising by analyzing the popular songs of Ibrahim Qashoush—songs that he performed at the advent of the Syrian revolution in 2011. The study uses two theoretical concepts that cultural studies helped to introduce to the study of popular culture, “articulation” and “affect” (see Rodman), in the analysis of Qashoush’s songs. I argue that the music of Qashoush “articulates” the mood of the Syrians under the regime. The findings indicate that Qashoush used revolutionary musical texts as an inspiration and a vehicle to “articulate” political messages that advance the power of the Syrians by giving them hope and optimism in their collective struggle, and critiquing and ridiculing the regime.