Hani Al Sawah, known by his stage name Al Darwish, returned to Damascus after a 13-year absence, marking a significant moment in his musical career. The rapper performed on January 16, 2025, in his home country for the first time since the fall of the Assad dynasty. His excitement was palpable as he walked the streets of the capital, reflecting on his journey home.
His performance attracted a sold-out crowd, eager to hear his politically charged lyrics that resonate deeply with the experiences of Syrians. “Never in my wildest dreams did I think I could ever return to Syria,” Al Sawah said in an interview with The Associated Press. The audience sang along fervently, creating an electric atmosphere in the venue. “I have this weird feeling that I never left, or that I left a part of me here that I was able to find again,” he added.
Al Sawah’s music gained traction during the uprising in 2011, when he fled to Lebanon and later to Germany. His lyrics, which highlighted the struggles against dictatorship, provided a voice for many Syrians amid the civil war. Growing up in Homs, he discovered rap in 2001 and quickly embraced it as a medium for self-expression.
Musical Roots and Political Activism
Al Sawah was part of an underground rap scene in Homs, where he and fellow musicians shared their thoughts and music away from the scrutiny of authorities. He recalls the skepticism and criticism they faced, with some considering their music emblematic of Western imperialism. “There was the saying: Eat what you want but dress as the people want,” he remarked, illustrating the cultural tensions of the time.
The uprising against President Bashar Assad invigorated Al Sawah, who attended protests despite fearing for his safety. Although the regime fell in a swift insurgency in December 2024, Al Sawah only returned home recently to witness the aftermath. “What happened here were fast and sudden changes,” he noted, expressing a mix of hope for the future and concern over ongoing violence.
While exploring Damascus, he observed that fear still lingers among some citizens when discussing the new government. “If we want to say that the regime really did fall, then so should this fear,” he stated.
Confronting Sectarian Violence
Al Sawah has also spoken out against sectarian violence that has surfaced in the months following the regime’s collapse. He criticized the government for its handling of conflicts involving various communities, particularly the Alawite minority. Al Sawah highlighted the tragic consequences of these tensions, noting that hundreds of civilians lost their lives during clashes in regions like Sweida.
Reflecting on these issues during his performance, he dedicated a song to the coastal province and those affected by violence in Sweida. The audience’s positive response surprised him, filling him with hope. “This is the reaction I was looking for. It’s what encourages me to come back,” he said, underscoring the importance of unity in rebuilding the nation.
As Al Sawah navigates this new chapter of his life, he remains committed to using his music as a platform for change. His return to Syria not only represents a personal milestone but also symbolizes the resilience and spirit of a nation striving for a brighter future.
