“The revolution is born from the womb of sorrows.” – These are the patriotic words of the revered poet Nizar Qabbani, known as the Poet of Love.
Qabbani, whose work is highly regarded in Lebanon and by musicians across the Middle East, is probably turning in his grave right now after a verse from his “Beirut, Set El Dunia” poem was omitted from a performance last weekend.
These powerful words were once applauded, now they are reportedly censored. It is an outrageous crime on art and humanity.
Kermelak Ya Watan
Lebanese singer Majida El Roumi performed in the massive virtual concert “Kermelak Ya Watan” on August 1st, celebrating the army on its 75th anniversary.
During her performance of “Beirut, Set El Dunia”, people were shocked when the choir exchanged the phrase “The revolution is born from the womb of sorrows” with some “la, la, la, la, la, la, la…”
Given the authorities’ continuous attempts to suppress the Lebanese Revolution, which is still alive despite the pandemic, people considered this incident an attempt to stifle any such matter that could glorify it.
However, the effort yielded the opposite result, as it’s usually the case in such situations. The lyrics went exponentially viral, attracting way more attention to the poet’s message of truth.
It became the #1 top trending on Twitter Lebanon and it’s going viral also on Instagram.
“They removed it from the song, to become a trend everywhere.”
It is also appearing today on some walls in the streets:
Stuck in sectarianism
When talking about the event, one of the organizers said, “We all have a responsibility towards the army, the last nonsectarian institution in Lebanon.”
True, the army is nonsectarian, but sectarianism surely played a big role in the execution of one particular performance…
The event was organized by the “Lebanese & Proud” NGO and executed by ICE International Events at The Legend Venue in Nahr El Kalb.
Activists, like Gino Raidy, were quick to point out that organizers of the event belonged to anti-revolutionary parties.
More bewildering is the statement the organizers issued on Sunday in response. Here’s a hint: denial.
“The association is concerned to clarify that no section of ‘Ya Beirut’ by the adept artist Majida El Roumi has been deleted.”
Yet, it clearly was.
Freedom Prevails
“I am not sure where this “la la la” came from exactly: denial, fear, or threat. But it is surely a sign of weakness,” tweeted Amadea Beyrouthi.
That act of suppression did something more than inciting anger and sarcasm: It fueled the people to reignite their revolution.
