Amid the recurring crises plaguing Lebanon, artists find themselves in a sensitive position that requires them to balance their political expressions with the need to avoid taking sides. In a country where politics intertwine with sectarianism, public expression of opinions becomes increasingly complicated, prompting stars to seek innovative ways to convey their feelings.
During the war in 2024, many artists chose silence or limited themselves to general comments, as empathy for the victims could be interpreted as support for a particular political faction. In this context, the language of prayer emerged as a common means of expressing emotions, providing a safe space for artists without delving into political stances.
Event Details
Artist Ragheb Alama, for example, wrote on the X platform: "O God, we entrust our wounded homeland Lebanon to You. We pray for the country, the people, and the innocents; protect it, O Lord, from evil and treachery." Meanwhile, artist Siren Abdel Nour succinctly expressed her stance with the phrase: "O Lord, protect Lebanon; we have no one but You." These statements reflect feelings of pain and prayer without entering into political details.
Some stars adopted indirect methods to convey their messages. Artist Nancy Ajram posted a video from the streets of Beirut filled with tents for displaced people, accompanied by her song "To Beirut, the Feminine, with Apologies," to express her feelings without getting involved in clear political positions.
Background & Context
In contrast, artist Elissa stands out as an exceptional case, as she does not hesitate to express her political views openly. Since the onset of the war, she has written: "O Lord, protect us and hold accountable everyone who brought Lebanon and its people to this point," reflecting her stance on the current situation. Her criticisms of Hezbollah and her belief that its policies "drag Lebanon into destruction" have made her a subject of controversy, yet they simultaneously reflect her clarity of position amid a state of ambiguity.
Artist Carole Samaha chose a different approach, addressing the concept of nationalism in Lebanon, noting that every stance is interpreted according to the political background of the audience. Meanwhile, artist Julia Boutros, known for her patriotic songs, opted for silence, raising questions about her position amid the current crises.
Impact & Consequences
There is a near-complete absence of artistic works related to the war, with no new patriotic songs reflecting the current phase. This absence reflects a state of caution among artists, who prefer to distance themselves from politics, such as artist Wael Kfoury, who limited himself to general wishes for peace.
At the same time, individual initiatives to support the displaced have emerged, with concert promoter Imad Qansou launching a donation campaign that some artists participated in, while others declined to join, reflecting the varying stances among the stars.
Regional Significance
The impacts of Lebanese artists' stances extend beyond Lebanon's borders, reflecting a state of political and social division in the region. Amid ongoing crises, the role of artists becomes more complex, as they must balance expressing their personal feelings with avoiding polarization.
In conclusion, the question remains about how artists deal with crises under the current circumstances. Between prayer and silence, the positions of stars in Lebanon are distributed within a narrow margin governed by precise calculations.