Situation
in Tunisia, right before the uprising ("the Arab spring", 2010-11), is best described by the video and rap of a Tunisia rap singer , El General, (real name: Hamada Ben Amor , born 1988, arrested 2010)
Lyrics:
President of the country
Today I`m speaking to you
In my name and on behalf of all
The people who live in suffering
In 2011 he dies of hunger
He wants to work for a living
But his voice is not heard
Go to the streets and look around you
People are treated like animals
Watch the cops with their batons,
“tap tap tap” with impunity
Since there is nobody to say “NO!”
Just like the law and constitution
It doesn`t care!
Every day I hear of a case,
Fabricated.
Even if the powers know
That he is an honest citizen.
I see the cops
Hit veiled women
Would you accept that if they did
The same to your daughter?
What I say is unfortunate,
Since you`re a father,
And you would not want
Any harm to come to your children
Then tell yourself that this message
IS sent by one of your children.
We live in suffering, like dogs,
Half of the people live in humiliation
And have tasted misery.
President of the country
Your people are dead
People eat in the garbage
Look what`s happening in your country
Marigolds are everywhere
People have nowhere to sleep
Today I speak fearlessly on behalf of the people
Crushed by the weight of injustice
President of the country
Your people are dead
People eat from the garbage
Look whats happening in your country
Marigolds are everywhere
People have nowhere to sleep
Today I speak fearlessly
On behalf of the people
Crushed by the weight of injustice
President of the country
You tell us: “Speak without fear”
I spoke.
But know what to expect.
Slaps!
I see a lot of injustice
That’s why I chose to speak.
Yet many warned me
How long must the Tunisian
Live in dreams?
Where’s freedom of speech?
I`ve only seen the name!
You calling “Tunisia the green”!
But president look
Tunisia became a desert
Cut into two blocks
They steal in front of everyone
No need to name them
You know who these people are!
Much money should go
To projects, achievements,
Schools, hospitals, housing…
But the sons of bitches
With the people`s money
They fill their bellies
They steal, they plunder, they use…
Even a chair doesn`t escape them
The people had much to say
But their voice is not heard
If there was not this injustice
I wouldn`t need to talk