Middle East vs. West

vs.

                      

Yesterday, I read an article in a well known Lebanese publication contrasting Arabic songs from Lebanon and the Middle East to Western songs. The article basically said that Arabic songs have the same subjects and have no content relevant to the audience who will eventually stop listening to such songs. The article also mentioned that in the Western culture, songs are more memorable and speak of meaningful subjects that portray part of society and that give people a reason to listen to them.

It is very hard for me to speak about the musical scene in this part of the world without some bitterness. I believe music hasn't been given its rights in the Middle East as it has in other parts of the world. I'm sure every region and every country has its own way of understanding, liking and listening to music but the Middle East is quite surprising when one observes it.

Music needs to be heard whether that is to open people's eyes to a situation, make them fall in love, give them a reason to throw a party or listen to delightful rhythms and feel peace and ecstacy. People are exposed to a large variety of music types, whether Arabic or Western, and expect change so quickly that the environment is very competitive. However, what I believe is happening is that artists, lyricists and composers are coming up with whatever is best in time for the release of an album for commercial purposes! In that, I see the point of the article when it says that if artists will keep releasing Arabic songs that have no meaningful content, people will stop listening to them. People in the music industry must stop thinking that everything will work and that the audience is stupid enough to listen to senseless songs!

In the Middle East, I feel that music is still sidelined and its value is not well appreciated. It does not invade our lives as it should. Music is so powerful but its power hasn't been explored and hasn't taken effect in this part of the world. It feels like it still is a weak form of art in this region although there is so much talent to be explored! The Middle East has countless artists who have as much ambition and talent as anyone in the West. I just wish that those people be given the chance and the means to enrich the Middle Eastern and world culture with their art.