Heavy Metal Islam

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“We play heavy metal because our lives are heavy metal.”—Reda Zine, a founder of the Moroccan heavy-metal scene. “Music is the weapon of the future.”—Fela Kuti. An eighteen-year-old Moroccan devoted to Black Sabbath, a twenty-two-year-old Gaza rapper, and a young Lebanese singer inspired by Bob Marley represent a vibrant, diverse world of Islam, contrasting sharply with the conservative and extremist narratives often portrayed in the media. Genres like heavy metal, punk, hip-hop, and reggae serve as powerful forms of protest, often deemed immoral in the Muslim world, yet they may also provide the soundtrack for a revolution. Despite governmental censorship, these musicians and fans persist, driven by the joy of self-expression and the deeply political nature of their environment. Mark LeVine delves into the impact of Western music on the Middle East through interviews with these artists, highlighting young Muslims who navigate their faith alongside a passion for music and a yearning for change. This exploration reveals contemporary Islamic culture through the dynamic music scene in the Middle East and North Africa, showcasing how music could emerge as a genuine force for democratization in a historically authoritarian region.