Musicians in Syria Face Uncertainty Under New Islamist Leadership

Fri Jul 11 2025 09:22:03 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
Musicians in Syria Face Uncertainty Under New Islamist Leadership

As Syria's musicians navigate a new political landscape, they confront potential challenges and opportunities under the rule of Islamist leaders.


In the wake of a civil war that shaped Syria's vibrant music scene, musicians are now cautiously approaching a government led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Emerging from a backdrop of repression, the electronic and heavy metal music genres flourished during the conflict, as artistic expression found space amidst chaos. But with HTS, a group with roots tied to extremist organizations, taking power, artists like DJ Maher Green express hope for rational dialogue while preparing to make their voices heard.

The struggle for creative freedom has a complicated history in Syria, where the Assad regime imposed stringent controls over artistic expression, perceiving heavy metal as a subversive threat. However, widening spaces for creativity emerged during the war years as musicians and organizers built relationships with authorities out of necessity. Now they stand at a crossroads, contemplating what the HTS's rule means for their future.

While some artists like Nael al-Hadidi ponder the mass exodus of fellow musicians who have fled Syria, others, like Wajd Khair, are ready to reclaim their creative space. "We have to be more bold," Khair asserts, reflecting determination amid uncertainty. The artistic community is challenging the inspection of their freedoms amid HTS's promises of respect for rights—a balance that remains delicate.

Encouraging developments surfaced quickly after HTS's takeover, such as public singing events and the resilience of cultural spaces. Yet the closure and swift reopening of the Opera House serves as a reminder of the volatility artists face. Musicians like Green express urgency in uniting their voices to advocate for cultural identity before HTS becomes preoccupied with governance.

As Syria’s music scene stands resilient after years of turmoil, it now faces an unpredictable future under the Islamist leadership, evoking both hope and apprehension for what lies ahead.

MORE ON THEME

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 05:37:22 GMT

The Exploitative Boom: Rare Earth Metal Mining in Myanmar Amidst Conflict

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 05:37:22 GMT
Fri, 11 Jul 2025 04:19:58 GMT

ICC Reports Disturbing Evidence of War Crimes in Darfur

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 04:19:58 GMT
Thu, 10 Jul 2025 14:02:55 GMT

Understanding Liberia: The Connection Between Language and History

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 14:02:55 GMT
Wed, 09 Jul 2025 09:32:07 GMT

Diplomatic Opening: Israel and Syria Start to Build Bridges**

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 09:32:07 GMT
Wed, 09 Jul 2025 04:24:09 GMT

Wildfires Rage in Syria Amidst Severe Drought

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 04:24:09 GMT
Tue, 08 Jul 2025 04:32:36 GMT

Understanding the Dynamics of Prisoners of War in Myanmar's Ongoing Civil Conflict

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 04:32:36 GMT
Tue, 08 Jul 2025 01:47:14 GMT

US to Delist Syrian Group HTS from Terrorist Organizations List

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 01:47:14 GMT
Mon, 07 Jul 2025 17:49:08 GMT

US to Reassess Terror Designation of Syria’s HTS Amid Shifting Political Landscape

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 17:49:08 GMT
Mon, 07 Jul 2025 13:50:56 GMT

**Escalating Conflict: Israel Strikes Houthi Targets in Yemen Amid Rising Tensions**

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 13:50:56 GMT
Sun, 06 Jul 2025 20:46:05 GMT

Uganda's Museveni Seeks to Extend 40-Year Rule Amidst Rising Opposition

Sun, 06 Jul 2025 20:46:05 GMT
Sun, 06 Jul 2025 11:38:34 GMT

Museveni's Presidential Bid: Aiming to Extend Nearly 40-Year Rule in Uganda

Sun, 06 Jul 2025 11:38:34 GMT
Sat, 05 Jul 2025 15:17:58 GMT

Druze Community Voices Fear and Distrust in Post-War Syria

Sat, 05 Jul 2025 15:17:58 GMT
Fri, 04 Jul 2025 17:03:11 GMT

# Wildfires Devastate Syria’s Coast Amid Record Drought

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 17:03:11 GMT
Fri, 04 Jul 2025 16:29:52 GMT

Druze Communities in Syria Face Rising Uncertainty Amidst Sectarian Violence

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 16:29:52 GMT
Fri, 04 Jul 2025 12:55:15 GMT

Uncertainty Rises for Druze Community Amid Growing Sectarian Violence in Syria

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 12:55:15 GMT
Thu, 03 Jul 2025 11:39:00 GMT

Israeli-Syrian Talks Driven by U.S. During Trump's Term

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 11:39:00 GMT
Thu, 03 Jul 2025 08:49:33 GMT

Major Political Realignments in Nigeria Ahead of 2027 Elections

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 08:49:33 GMT
Wed, 02 Jul 2025 05:48:41 GMT

Dalai Lama Seeks to Secure Succession Amidst Chinese Pressure

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 05:48:41 GMT
Tue, 01 Jul 2025 18:48:23 GMT

# Shift in U.S. Policy Towards Syria: The Implications Ahead

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 18:48:23 GMT
Tue, 01 Jul 2025 04:30:26 GMT

Amidst Chaos: A Harrowing Journey in Sudan's Civil War

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 04:30:26 GMT

Follow us

© 2024 SwissX REDD UK ltd. All Rights Reserved.