If you're seeking something different from ordinary Arabic music, as well as a new perspective on Arabic politics, you might hear and see the Lebanese hit single Khelsset Sentel 2000 (The Year 2000 Has Finished) by Ghassan Rahbani.
The song is a unique analysis of the hype in anticipation of 2000. The way politicians, economists and sociologists spoke of 2000, one would think all the region’s problems would magically be fixed.
The song is a satirical look at the problems Lebanon has faced (government corruption, bribery, and ongoing strife between political factions), the point being that they did not instantly disappear when the clock struck midnight.
Not quite mainstream, according to Egypt Today magazine, Khelsset Sentel 2000 raises questions about Rahbani’s state of mind. It certainly provides some food for thought. And if it doesn’t do that for you, it is at least good dance music and a good laugh.
The album Khelsset Sentel 2000 also includes the songs: Maali Al Wazir (His Excellency The Minister), Wa Nqulkon Nehna Min (We’ll Tell You Who Are We), Everybody Want Some, Iza Zaajak Shilo (If It Bothers You, Take It Away), Tariq Al Mattar (Airport Road), Ma Baaref (I Don’t Know) and An Afternoon At Nantes, which are written and composed by Ghassan Rahbani – Albawaba.com
© 2001 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
