One one of the most prominent artistic works of the Syrian revolution is Samih Choukaer’s song Ya Haif (Oh shame), which the singer wrote in solidarity with the children from Daraa who ignited the revolution, and who were detained and tortured from scribbling anti-regime graffiti on the walls. The song was a spontaneous outburst by Choukaer, who spoke out in a time when most Arab artists remained silent about the Syrian regime’s crimes.

“Oh shame

Bullets fired onto an unarmed people

Oh shame

Why are you arresting young children?

We are countrymen, yet you are killing my children

You’ve turned your back on the enemy and are attacking me

Oh shame...”

Choukaer was born in 1957 in the town of Qrayya in the southern province of Sweida. He completed his education at a music institute in Keif, Ukraine between 1990 and 1994. He was an artist known for his political and ideological independence, and his interest in human rights affairs. He began his career singing in solidarity with the Arab people in 1982, when Israeli forces invaded Beirut. He released multiple musical collections between 1983 and 2007, including a children’s album.

Choukaer believes the Syrian revolution renewed people’s interest in songs about resistance. Over the years, many people advised him to change the political, leftist nature of his work, but he did not oblige. He now sees the Syrian uprising as a part of the struggle toward a country of freedom, dignity and rights.

The singer described himself as “A Syrian singer who came to find himself in the hearts of the people, outside any political structure that might get in the way.” He added that his primary interest lies in exploring the pain felt by the Arab people.

Choukaer has written the introductory music for many movies, TV shows and plays, including a play by the late writer Mohammad al-Maghut, a feature film called “Black Flour,” and a children’s film called “From the Eye to the Heart.”

Samih Choukaer’s official Facebook page