- Title: YEMEN: Yemeni band spread message of non-violence with music.
- Date: 29th May 2012
- Summary: PEOPLE SEATED FOR GIG GUITAR BEING PLAYED SIGN FOR BAND "3 METERS AWAY" BAND MEMBER PLAYING DRUM PEOPLE SITTING AND LISTENING VARIOUS OF SINGER SINGING PEOPLE LISTENING, MAN TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS ON HIS MOBILE PHONE DRUM BEATING VARIOUS OF SINGER SINGING
- Embargoed: 13th June 2012 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Yemen
- Country: Yemen
- Topics: Arts
- Reuters ID: LVAADPCNJNNRO8DJUD5B5ZFE3539
- Story Text: A Yemeni band wants its music to spread a message of peace and understanding as part of the fight against extremism.
In a courtyard in Yemen's capital, a band is playing a mixture of reggae and folk. '3 Meters Away' sing protest songs that aim to spread a message of non-violence and anti-terrorism.
Lead singer Ahmed Assery, a newly-graduated physician, believes they can help in the fight against terrorism and spread awareness against al-Qaeda linked groups which have secured a foothold in the country.
"We hope that the song, or the idea and message, against violence and terrorism will reach as large an audience as possible," Assery told Reuters.
The band have supported the 'peaceful revolution', composing and performing special works such as 'Inhale Freedom' and 'I'm Staying Till the Regime Leaves'.
"Our ambition is to see people starting to live in co-existence, and deal with each other with more love and more understanding, and we hope that our message will reach all."
Drummer in the band, Shadi Nashir, who is a Sanaa University student, agrees.
"Art is a very powerful medium, and music in particular is capable of spreading this idea or raising awareness about it, so that it reaches many sectors of society."
Among the songs they play twice a month at a public concert in Sanaa is one that condemns al Qaeda-affiliated militants for severing a man's hand for committing theft.
Aref Abu-Hatem, a journalist and political analyst, says music and the arts can help combat extremists.
"Certainly, using music, arts and drama will have a very strong reaction, they will have a strong and positive impact in fighting terrorism, violence and extremism."
Assery says violence can never be justified.
"We believe there is no excuse whatsoever for violence. Matters can be handled by other means, such as dialogue."
The band have faced numerous problems reaching a wider audience, including threats of banning by the government and a lack of support and finance for young independent artists. Hatem says spreading the group's message will be helped by the use of internet and social media.
"They are a generation of youths who are in tune with the media of their day. Through the use of music, drama, the internet, CDs, electronic media and social networking sites, they will be very effective."
3 Meters Away are starting to reach the wider audiences they want, and last year were commended by the Freedom to Create organisation.
Al-Qaeda-linked militants have exploited political instability in Yemen to gain a foothold there, particularly in the southern province of Abyan.
Yemeni troops are fighting to dislodge them in a U.S.-backed offensive against Islamist militants. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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