Syrian celebrity talks revolution
Since the Syrian uprising in 2011, millions of Syrian civilians have participated in protests demanding the removal of the Assad regime. Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators regularly gathered across Syria, echoing unified slogans calling for the downfall of the dictator Bashar Al-Assad. Each Syrian area, designated a lead singer/celebrity and protest guide known as "Kashuush," a title immortalised in the Syrian dictionary after the regime's termination of the original Kashuush in the Hama province. Despite enduring extreme repression, the symbolic role of the Kashuush persisted by representing the collective voice of resistance and unity amongst the Syrian people. With over 13 years having surpassed since the Arab Spring, little amount of celebrity Kashuushs’ are left standing. From an original number of 50+ celebrity chanters who gave the demonstrations great entertainment with their unique writing and chanting ability, the number has now decreased to less than ten, with Mohammed Al-Adib being one of them.
Ahmad El Khalaf: Good afternoon, Mohammed. Thank you for agreeing to this interview. Could you start by telling us a bit about yourself and how you became involved in the protests against Assad's regime?
Mohammed Al-Adib: Good afternoon. Thank you for having me. My name is Mohammed Al-Adib, but many know me as Kashuush, born and raised here in Jabal Alzawiya, Idlib. I'm now 40 years old, my journey into activism began over 13 years ago, where I was in my late twenties, fuelled by the injustices and atrocities committed by Bashar al-Assad's regime against the Syrian people. As a singer, I found my voice to be a powerful tool for resistance, and thus began my role in leading protests of hundreds of thousands against Assad's tyranny.
Mohammed Al-Adib, Jabal Alzawiya’s ‘Kashuush’ in Syria 2013 || Credit: Ahmad El Khalaf
Ahmad El Khalaf: Could you describe the atmosphere during those early protests, the entertainment you have provided, and how it has evolved over the years?
Mohammed Al-Adib: In the beginning, there was a sense of hope, a belief that our voices would be heard, and that change was possible. But as time went on and Assad's brutality escalated, that hope transformed into determination. The atmosphere was charged with defiance, general entertainment, and solidarity. Despite facing unimaginable repression, the people of Syria continued to rise up, refusing to be silenced. We would often create new literary slogans calling to topple the regime via our social media accounts as a means of entertainment, and we’d see it circulating through most Syrian households within hours.
Ahmad El Khalaf: You've been chanting anti-Assad slogans for over a decade now. What drives your relentless opposition to his regime?
Mohammed Al-Adib: My hatred for Assad stems from witnessing the suffering of my people, the countless lives lost, families torn apart, and communities destroyed. Over 150 of my personal relatives were killed by this monster, Assad, the son of donkey’s reign of terror has left scars that may never heal. He has shown no regard for human life, using chemical weapons, MIG jets, barrel bombs, and torture to maintain his grip on power. How can I not oppose such a ruthless dictator? Every chant, every song is a tribute to the resilience of the Syrian people and a defiance against Assad's tyranny.
Syrian protestors pictured after calling to topple the Syrian regime. || Credit: El Khalaf
Ahmad El Khalaf: How do you see the future of Syria, considering the ongoing conflict and international involvement?
Mohammed Al-Adib: The future of Syria remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Assad's regime cannot endure forever. The Syrian people have shown time and again that they will not bow down to oppression. While the road ahead may be long, I believe in the resilience of my fellow Syrians’ lifestyle and their determination to build a free and democratic society. International support is crucial in this endeavour, but ultimately, it is the people of Syria who will determine their own destiny. The entertainment that me and my colleagues continue to provide for the Syrian people remains unlimited, we have learnt to embed the entertainment of our rich Syrian culture with current events.
Ahmad El Khalaf: Thank you, Mohammed, for sharing your insights and your unwavering commitment to the cause of freedom and justice in Syria, is there any final message that you would like to share?
Mohammed Al-Adib: Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak on your platform. Shedding some light on our Syrian issues and entertainment is vital, especially since we were at the forefront of TV and entertainment in the Middle East. As the struggle continues, the Syrian people together, whether Muslim, Christian, Arabic, Turkman or Kurdish - will prevail.
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This profile interview sheds light on the steadfast activism, resilience, entertainment, and the lifestyle of Mohammed Al-Adib, known as Kashuush, in his tireless fight against the Assad regime. His story is emblematic of the courage and determination of the Syrian people in their quest for freedom and justice, and by providing them entertainment in the midst of war.