Syrian rapper Al Darwish returns home after 13 years to perform in post-Assad Damascus

DAMASCUS, Syria — Hani Al Sawah, known by his stage name Al Darwish, strolled through the streets of Damascus, Syria, filled with excitement. After 13 years, he was back in his home country to perform his politically charged rap songs for the first time since the Assad dynasty lost power.

The night of his performance, Al Sawah was overwhelmed by the enthusiastic response from the audience, who sang along to every word of his songs. Reflecting on the experience, he expressed his disbelief at being able to return to Syria and reconnect with his roots.

Having fled Syria during the uprising in 2011, Al Sawah found solace in his music, which resonated with many Syrians both in the country and abroad during the civil war. His lyrics spoke of defiance against dictatorship and solidarity with protest movements across the region.

Raised in Homs, Al Sawah’s rebellious spirit led him to discover rap music as a form of self-expression. Despite facing scrutiny and criticism from authorities for his unconventional style, he persisted in pursuing his passion for music and activism.

Returning to Syria after the fall of the Assad regime, Al Sawah was hopeful for a new chapter in the country’s history. However, he was also wary of the lingering fear of criticizing the new authorities, a legacy of decades under oppressive rule.

During his performance, Al Sawah addressed the sectarian violence that had plagued the country, calling for unity and reconciliation. The positive response from the audience filled him with hope for a brighter future in Syria.

This article was originally reported from Beirut and has been adapted for WordPress.