Renegotiation Nationalism in Arabic Songs: Depictions of the Country’s Rulers

Abstract

Vast majority of the songs released all over the world are prepared to entertain the audiences. On can see thousands attending different concerts and following their favorite artists by the way they wear clothes, their interests, by their way of thinking etc. Songs are also created because of a different reasons. They are one of the important media that can impact people’s thinking. The great example of it can be impacting citizens' sense of nationalism. Most of the countries have their own national songs that depict the strength of the country, its ruler, army, citizens and their loyalty to the country or the leadership itself.

This study aims to compare and contrast how Saudi and Egyptian songs portray nationalism and the depiction of the ruler/leader in terms of three key images: strength, loyalty, and benevolence.  The songs to be analyzed in this study include 12 Egyptian and Saudi Arabian arts. The study argues that national songs play a crucial role in shaping and reinforcing nationalist sentiments among citizens, both adults and children, as well as developing a shared national identity. Ultimately, this study aims to contribute to scholarly understandings of the complex relationship between music, nationalism, and political power in the Arab world.