Waiting For A Melody...

Moved on! Check TheCairoCalls

One of my favorite songs ever is Madonna's "American Pie". Not as much for the artist (not a big fan), as for a line of lyrics:

Now, do you believe in Rock n Roll?
And, can music save your mortal soul?

I'd hear that and go: "Yeah!"

It is something I believe in; arts in general, and music and cinema in particular over here in the middle east, have tremendous transformational powers. I was reminded of this fact, when I read this NYT article on Sayyed Darweesh. Here is a man who, only through his musical talent, and refusal to comply with earlier musical traditions, was able to inspire a whole country to revolt against a formidable oppressor (the British occupying forces). He was considered by some, as the second leader of the 1919 revolution, together with Sa'ad Zaghloul.
His songs are still memorable to this day, and the goose bumps I get everytime I hear our anthem being sung (not played, that's part of the genius) is the best evidence of how far reaching his influence is.

For songs by Sayeed Darweesh, go here (Arabic)

Tags: sayeed darweesh, alexandria, egypt, music, 1919, sa'ad zaghloul, wafd