Yallah! Underground

Yallah! Underground is a compelling, thought-provoking cinematic journey into the world of alternative art in the Middle East, directed by Farid Eslam and released in 2015. A significant departure from the stereotype of the Middle Eastern narrative as solely laden with political strife and religious conflict, this documentary presents an entirely new perspective on the thriving subculture of music and artistry that has been burgeoning across the region.

At the core of Yallah! Underground is a variety of engaging stories of musicians and artists navigating their creative paths amid political instability. It stars notable figures such as Lebanese musician Zeid Hamdan, Palestinian poet and musician Shadi Zaqtan, and Egyptian singer-songwriter Maii Waleed Yassin. These artists, along with a host of other lesser-known figures, embody the burgeoning underground art scene in countries such as Egypt, Lebanon, Palestine, among others. They are the individuals pushing boundaries and challenging conventions, using their art forms to voice out their distinct identities and experiences.

Yallah! Underground primarily spans the crucial period of 2009 to 2013 – a time bracket that encompasses the well-known Arab Spring. Farid Eslam selects this period, not by accident but by design, to highlight how these artists continued to create during times of sociopolitical upheaval. The documentary provides an intimate perspective on the character of the burgeoning underground culture during these significant events.

The film leverages a combination of interviews, live concert footage, and personal videos to paint a vivid image of the alternative Middle Eastern scene. It permits viewers to have a glimpse into the personal and artistic lives of the artists and their struggle to express their voices in societies often marked by limitations on free speech. Their stories shed light on their courage to create art, music, and culture underlined with social messages in a region often characterized by censorship and political unrest.

Zeid Hamdan, a prominent figure in the Lebanese underground scene, offers an intriguing narrative about the intersection of music and politics. Recognized as one of the pioneers of alternative music in the Middle East, his unique sound and compelling narratives illustrate the struggle and freedom of living and creating in a rapidly changing socio-political landscape.

Palestinian musician and poet Shadi Zaqtan offers an equally profound narrative. Through his music, he explores the themes of displacement, identity, and resistance, giving voice to the complex experiences of Palestinian people. In a region laden with a volatile history, Zaqtan's words echo the sentiments of a population seeking peace.

Maii Waleed Yassin, a young Egyptian singer-songwriter and guitarist, represents the voice of the new generation in the Egyptian music scene. Yassin is a symbol of the changing perceptions of women in the music industry, breaking stereotypes and making way for innovative music in a society grappling with the fallout of revolution.

Farid Eslam's Yallah! Underground challenges Western perceptions of the Middle East by showcasing the diversity of thought, creativity, and resilience in the region through the lens of its underground musicians and artists. It is a narrative of resistance and resilience, of creativity amidst chaos. It provides an exploration of a young generation's way of expressing their dissatisfaction with society's norms, their political systems, their restrictions, and how they canalize it through their art.

Through COVID-19 lockdowns and quarantine, their music and voices stretch across physical borders, connecting the global community with their beats, lyrics, and shared human experiences. Their art becomes a testament to the power of creativity, a beacon of hope and resilience that shines even in the midst of tumultuous times.

For an audience not familiar with the Middle Eastern underground art and music scene, Yallah! Underground is a passport to an unknown world, a harmonious exploration of culture, identity, struggle, and creativity. This makes the film not only an engaging watch but also a means to further the understanding of an often misrepresented region and its vibrant, talented youth.