NewsLab

What if an Egyptian pop song was the fate of Obama and increased the turnout?

What if it was sung by the most hostile singer to the United States and Israel? By a singer who presented, during the last decade, songs condemning their politics, namely in Palestine and Iraq.

Shaaban Abdel Rahim, Egyptian pop singer, well known for his up-to-date engaged political songs, declared in Dar-Al-Hayat newspaper that he is eager to bid farewell to Bush. In this occasion, he will soon release a new song celebrating Bush end-of-term. In his interview, he added that he will back Barack Obama as he is a “good man, kindhearted and better than Bush”.

Shaaban, also known by his nickname Shaabolla, broke the records selling millions of his album “I hate Israel“, in 2000. Shaabolla’s success was followed by other hits like “Hey people it was only a tower” after September 11, “don’t hit Iraq” in 2003 “We are all out of patience” about “Muhammad Cartoons controversy” in 2006.

His new song, “Bye bye Bush”, already announced, will start with the following lyrics:

“Prior to leave; Bush wishes to turn the world into a mess,

Since ever he is a bad omen, as if he was born in a fight,

Cursing you Bush or your father doesn’t suffice,

It was a disastrous black day when you were elected…”

The sense of hearing is very important to Egyptians, and they are influenced by what they listen to. Since a long time, songs play a very important role during critical events: 1952 revolution, Nasser’s regime, 1973 war, 1979 Peace Treaty, Mubarak elections etc… They incite grassroots and manipulate their feelings, hence, a song is a very strong weapon that is worthwhile.

Definitely, Shaaban’s song will not influence the American presidential elections, nor increase Obama’s staunch supporters and electorates, but it may mobilize the Egyptian audience, which is certainly influenced by songs. Who knows, maybe Egyptian hatred to the American policy will end once Obama succeeds in elections and is in office.