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A Song for Political Prisoners: Ramy Essam's "Lagl Tentesri"

Ahmed Gatnash

Kawaakibi Foundation proudly supported the production of Egyptian rock musician Ramy Essam's new video, Lagl Tentesri (For You To Win).

Lagl Tentesri (For You To Win) highlights the resilience and sacrifices of the people in the Egyptian revolution whether they be martyrs, prisoners, or still carrying on the fight and facing heavy consequences for their actions.

The lyricist, Ahmad Douma, prominent Egyptian activist and revolutionary, is serving a 15-year sentence in Egypt's prisons, and has already spent 11 years of his life imprisoned for standing up for human rights, democracy, and freedom of speech during the early years of the Egyptian revolution.

Still, even though facing unjust and brutal treatment in his confinement, Douma resiliently keeps fighting for his cause with his words. Lagl Tentesri (For You To Win) is a tribute to human rights defenders in Egypt and worldwide especially for Douma himself.

This is the second of Ramy's songs supported by the new Kawaakibi Foundation Arts Programme. The first was Mafi Mafi - a satirical takedown of the corrupt ruling class in Lebanon and a stand in solidarity with the Lebanese uprising - which was released earlier this year. The video was a collaboration with a Lebanese artist, including filmmaker and video journalist Tariq Keblaoui and lyricist Samir Skayni

Ahmed Gatnash