10 Alternate Music Covers For Middle East Censorship
Published -
- July 14, 2017
- 5:00 pm
In the Middle East, their culture requires women to dress modestly.
This means bare shoulders, legs, and exposed tummies are a big no-no. This way of life causes major issues when our favorite artists release their albums.. So instead of banning the music entirely, the album artwork is censored in a major way. If you want to see what your favorite albums look like when they’ve been revamped for other cultures, make sure to watch our video: 10 Alternate Music Covers for Middle East Censorship.
Why do mashups offer a way to promote cross-cultural exchange and understanding without the fear of censorship in the Middle East?
Music censorship has been a persistent phenomenon in the Middle East, where government authorities regulate and monitor the content of various artistic expressions to comply with local cultural and religious values. However, some musicians and bands have found alternate ways to overcome censorship and deliver their message to the public. Here are ten alternative music covers for Middle East censorship.
1. Arabic Folk Music Covers:
Arabic folk music covers are popular in the Middle East because they convey traditional culture and values that resonate with the local audience without crossing any censorship lines. Artists performing these covers usually modify and simplify some parts of the original songs to avoid any controversy.
2. Acoustic Covers:
Acoustic music covers offer a stripped-down version of the original song where the artist uses only a guitar or a piano to create the melody. This approach delivers a more personal and intimate musical experience that captivates the listeners’ attention without violating any cultural or religious norms.
3. Instrumental Covers:
Instrumental music covers create a unique listening experience because the artist focuses solely on the musical arrangement and the tone of the instruments. By avoiding any lyrics or vocals, artists can circumvent censorship and reach broader audiences in the region.
4. Mashups:
Mashups blend two or more songs from different genres or cultures to create a harmonious musical fusion. This approach allows artists to highlight commonalities between various genres and cultures, promoting cross-cultural exchange and understanding without the fear of censorship.
5. Cover Songs with Lyrics Modifications:
In some cases, artists modify some parts of the original lyrics to comply with local censorship regulations without undermining the song’s message or meaning. This method has been popular in the Middle East as it allows artists to provide listeners with a fresh interpretation of popular songs within their cultural context.
6. Political Music Covers:
Political music covers challenge the status quo and offer alternative perspectives on pressing issues in society. By using metaphorical language, artists can express their opinions without directly attacking or offending government officials or religious authorities.
7. Cover songs in different languages:
Translating popular songs into different languages offers a novel listening experience that brings together multicultural members of society, fostering tolerance and understanding between various communities. Cover songs in different languages can also bypass censorship since the original lyrics are not in the local language.
8. Jazz and Blues Covers:
Jazz and blues covers often contain suggestive lyrics or themes that may be deemed controversial or inappropriate in some parts of the Middle East. However, some artists use the genre’s improvisational nature to deconstruct and distort the lyrics, creating a new interpretation that satisfies censorship requirements.
9. Reggae and Ska Covers:
Reggae and Ska covers are known for their positive and uplifting content, but some songs may contain references to drugs or sex that could trigger censorship. However, artists can change the lyrics or use metaphors to deliver the message without offending local values or authorities.
10. Classical Music Covers:
Classical music covers are timeless and universal, and they often resonate with people from various backgrounds and cultures. Furthermore, classical music is devoid of any lyrics or vocals, making it a popular alternative for artists looking to circumvent censorship.
In conclusion, artists and musicians in the Middle East have found creative ways to deliver their message and overcome censorship regulatory challenges. By utilizing different musical genres and styles, they can reach a broader audience and promote cross-cultural understanding and tolerance. These 10 alternate music covers for Middle East censorship offer inspiration and insights into the rich and diverse musical landscape of the region.
