JAYFORCE

Interesting. To be certain, this women’s rights issue-driven video could have been delivered with a more serious tone; but 26-year-old Saudi comedian/activist Hisham Fageeh likely ‘toned down’ his Bob Marley-inspired song “No Woman, No Drive” – as to be too fiery would put the performer, and any involved with the vid’s production/distribution, under fire.

A couple of months [after the “No Woman, No Drive” song was created], Twitter was abuzz with talk that Saudi Arabian women would defy the ban on driving by mounting a demonstration on October 26, Fageeh and his two friends, Saudi musicians Fahad Albutairi and Alaa Wardi, decided to produce a video to coincide with the day of protest.

– The Daily Beast

I like that this points out injustice, then pokes a stick at it… in sort of a fun way, but even that is done with substantial socio-political risk. On another note, Fageeh’s pretty good for someone who “doesn’t really listen to music.” Dude definitely getting his Bobby McFerrin on (e.g. with the ‘body music’ with a message). Wonder if there will be any ‘response videos’ from pro-conservatives of Saudi?

While the Saudi government officials issued harsh warnings to political dissenters or anyone supporting female drivers, there have been no reported arrests or fines, and the young comedian says he’s not afraid in the least. So far, he tells The Daily Beast, he’s gotten “nothing but love” in response to the video, from everyone from Saudi grandmothers to New York hipsters. “It resonated with people,” he says. “It was relevant to them.”

– The Daily Beast

By the way, you can buy the track (name your price)…

HISHAM FAGEEH – NO WOMAN, NO DRIVE

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