Bahrain’s Ramadan ‘musaharati’ has an important message for all

TDT | Manama

Yasser Al Samak, a 50-year old musaharati (Ramadan drummers who awaken the faithful for their pre-dawn meal) has become the latest social media hit by adapting age-old songs for the time of coronavirus.

On the streets of Bilad Al Qadeem, his voice and drums ring out during the Holy Month of Ramadan. His potent messages went viral on WhatsApp and Instagram through short video clips, where his musical talents are displayed every evening.

“Stay home with your family and blend your suhoor meal with hope, because those who rely on God, he will protect them,” sings Al Samak. His lyrics toll out religious advice as well as the importance of health advisories.

“Make yourself strong with prayer and wear the mask as a shield against the pandemic,” he sings. Al Samak’s songs feature lyrics about life during the pandemic, praises the benefits of social distancing, and draws attention to the large sacrifices made on the frontline by medical staff and volunteers.

Al Samak also came up with a pun on the word “corona”, urging people to eat “macarona” (pasta). His message radiates hope and teaches people that life must go on and that the faithful should not lose their resolve in the face of the crisis. Having done this for 30 years, the experienced musaharati said he hopes to raise awareness while also spreading hope and maintaining a sense of continuity during the crisis.