In the last century, artists from the MENA region such as Egyptian singers Umm Kalthoum, and Abd el-Halim Hafez, the composer Mohamed Abdel Wahab, Shadia, Lebanese singer Wadie El-Safi, and of course not forgetting the unique Fairuz, built the basis of the modern Arab music and cinema.
Songs, movies, and plays gradually implemented symbols and metaphors for love in the collective Arab psyche.
However, as Western cultural imperialism expanded, this popular culture gradually vanished. With the emergence of trends in different fields, young MENA people, especially those who witnessed globalization, began to distance themselves from Arab culture.
Over time, what young MENA people saw in Western media or Hollywood movies seemed to become the way of life.
The economic sector benefited from this conformism and earned high profits, through organising Western-themed events and parties for different occasions, including Valentine’s Day.
However, despite this persistent Western sprawling in people’s heads, there’s been a slow return to old traditions by re-exploring traditional songs.
In 2023, Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh hosted a live concert on the stage of the Abu Bakr Salem Theater, featuring a group of modern Arab stars like Nancy Ajram, Saber Rebai, and Assala, giving a breath of fresh air to the masterpieces of the great Egyptian composer Baligh Hamdi — who had created hit songs for many prominent Arabic singers.
Shaking the dust off even further from earlier prominent musical creations, young MENA DJs started producing remixes of famous old songs, widely played in cafés and nightclubs.
Similarly, social media platforms witnessed the emergence of profiles creating short aesthetic videos, that show scenes of daily life evoking a bygone age, with musical background from old Arab songs.
So what is driving today’s young generation to embrace these classical tunes?Â
For Neila Hashimi, old Arab songs are reminiscent of sweet memories. “Fairuz songs make me feel nostalgic,” says the 26-year-old. “It takes me back to hearing the coffee pot boil as my grandmother prepared breakfast, the scent enveloping the kitchen.”
For Chaima H, these old songs evoke memories of walking home from school. “Fairuz’s song Nassam Alayna El Hawa was the first song we learned during our music class in the first grade,” the 30-year-old who now lives in Europe shares with The New Arab.
“I remember singing it on the way home with my school friends. Now that most of us live abroad, listening to this song makes us feel emotional and transcends into a yearning for our home country and loved ones — this is what Fairuz wanted to communicate through this song.”Â
Farid Dabbagh also shares the memory of his late father listening to old songs while driving for family outings. “During road trips with my family, my Baba, may he rest in peace, used to put on the national radio station, his favourite, and listen to Um Kalthoum, Fayza Ahmed, Najat Al-Saghira. He would sing along with them,” says Farid. “I was actually named Farid after the Egyptian-Syrian singer Farid Al-Atrash.”
Similarly, Huda Hassan explains how old Arab songs were a way for her to reconnect with the older generation of her family. “Whenever I hear a part of an Arab song that I liked, I’d rush either to my mother, aunt, or even grandmother to ask them about the song’s title,” Huda shares.
“They would smile as they hear me express my admiration for it, and start telling their memories about the time this song came out, or anecdotes that happened in the same period.”
For many, these old songs convey a sense of safety and familiarity.
“These are songs we know very well, and grew up listening to,” explains Elyes Nouri. “They’re synonyms of comfort and security and they are a constant reminder of a happy past and our comfort zone.”
Some also shared their criticisms of modern Western music churning out tracks with no real passion to them as compared to old Arab songs.
“Western hit songs follow rapidly one after another, like fast food meals,” says Ghita Iraqi, a young oud musician. “Classic Arab songs full of soul and connection retain their value.”
When it comes to romance, many young Arabs shared how they preferred old Arab songs over modern Western music.
“Pop and Rap songs are more suitable for Instagram stories, but not for an amorous encounter,” Ghita adds. “For that, real tunes with expressive lyrics and a range of nuances are needed.”
As these old Arab tracks make a comeback, it is clear how the younger MENA generation’s preferences are shifting drastically. With more representation on television like the hit Netflix show Mo, musicians like Saint Levant taking the industry by storm and more Arab actors making it to mainstream cinema, the Arab diaspora is more openly embracing and showcasing their culture.Â
It seems that the cultural imperialism that prevailed in the MENA region is now slowly starting to lose its influence, with the younger generation going back to their cultural roots and rediscovering their musical heritage.Â
“Listening to songs full of poetry and beautiful metaphors, that make one dream and sail for new horizons is what we need to face today’s stark reality and survive in this modern world,” concludes Neila.
Tharwa Boulifi is a Tunisian freelancer who writes about feminism, human rights, and social justice. Her work has appeared in Teen Vogue, Newsweek, the New African, and African Arguments
Follow her on X:Â @TharwaBoulifi
