Syria’s singing revolutionary

Instead of pursuing his singing career, every day Adham announces on the radio the latest names of those killed and captured in Syria’s uprising.

He has got his work cut out: human rights organisations say up to 5,400 people have been killed – and thousands more detained – since dissent exploded 10 months ago.

“The are many martyrs and there are many prisoners,” he told FRANCE 24. “There are people suffering and those who are living under torture. Mothers have lost their children.”

FRANCE 24’s reporters Karim Hakiki and Adel Gastel are in the Djebel Zawiya region of Syria where there are weekly protests against the government and where the sound of gunfire and the mounting death toll are daily events.

Adham helps prepare banners before joining the Friday marches to protest against 40 years of dictatorship by the al-Assad family.

But he said he was torn between his involvement in the uprising and a singing career that has been to some extent stalled by the friction in his country.

Speaking at a clandestine recording studio, Adham said that the uprising has inspired his small group: “The first time we recorded, we wouldn't play it to anyone we were so bad. But the revolution has changed everything. We're much better than we used to be.”

Not all his inspiration is revolutionary, however. Because of the uprising Adham is torn, musically and physically, from those he loves.

“Of course I am in love,” he said. “But just one minute on the phone is enough to lift your morale. I won’t tell you what five minutes in person will do…”

In the meantime Adham sings his songs of revolution and freedom and continues to go on marches. The love songs will have to wait.