Thawra

In a time when global headlines are carefully curated, selectively amplified, and often sanitized, a rebellious trio from Syria is cutting through the noise with a searing, unapologetic critique. Trailblazing rappers Thawra and Ebaa Monther, alongside experimental producer Noise Diva, have teamed up for ‘3antar’, a defiant, satirical single that calls out media hypocrisy and the global indifference towards the brutal, ongoing war in Syria.

“3antar” isn’t just another protest song, it’s a layered, sharp-tongued piece of socio-political commentary delivered through raw bars, urgent beats, and dark soundscapes. Named after a fictional male character, “3antar” symbolizes a passive, arrogant figure who represents much of the media and public opinion surrounding the Syrian conflict: choosing silence over solidarity, ignorance over awareness.

Both based in Syria, Thawra and Ebaa Monther have made names for themselves as fierce, politically charged voices in the Arab hip-hop scene. Known for addressing themes of identity, displacement, and resistance, the pair have consistently challenged oppressive narratives and spoken truth to power. Teaming up with Noise Diva, a Syrian DJ, producer, and sound designer now based in Amsterdam, added another layer to the track’s message.

Noise Diva is known for blending Middle Eastern sonic textures with avant-garde electronic influences. On “3antar”, she creates a dark, hypnotic soundscape built on ominous trap beats, brooding noise elements, and subtle traces of Middle Eastern percussion. The result is a track simmering with tension, a sonic metaphor for the fragile state of a country gripped by conflict and the frustration of a people ignored by international media.

What makes ‘3antar’ particularly striking is its use of satire. Rather than delivering straightforward protest verses, Thawra and Ebaa Monther lace their lyrics with sharp irony, double entendres, and biting wit. Through the character of ‘3antar’, they critique the archetype of the dismissive, uninformed figure who deliberately turns a blind eye to suffering.

“3antar is everyone who refuses to see us, refuses to hear us,” says Thawra in a recent interview. “He’s the man sitting comfortably watching wars happen on TV, believing the headlines that tell half the story, if at all. He’s the censorship, the ignorance, the arrogance, all rolled into one.”

Their verses trade jabs at ‘3antar‘, exposing the hypocrisy of international narratives and the way the Syrian conflict has been both sensationalized and ignored in turns. The duo doesn’t hold back, addressing systemic destruction, ethnic cleansing, and the frustratingly selective global outrage. The lyrics are dense with local references, metaphors, and coded language that Syrian listeners will immediately recognize, a tactic often used in regions where open criticism can come with heavy consequences.

Noise Diva’s production is a standout element of the track, grounding the lyrics in a brooding, uneasy atmosphere. The hypnotic trap beats are paired with industrial noise textures that bubble beneath the surface, creating a sense of volatility that mirrors the country’s current state.

“I wanted the sound to feel like it was constantly about to rupture, but never fully explode,” explains Noise Diva. “That’s what living in a conflict zone feels like. It’s that low, constant tension, and the sense that at any moment, everything can shatter.”

The production occasionally weaves in subtle Middle Eastern percussion elements, a nod to home, identity, and cultural resilience even in the midst of chaos.

‘3antar’ isn’t just a diss track against censorship or a critique of media bias, it’s an act of preservation and defiance. It serves as a reminder that, even when silenced, marginalized voices find ways to be heard. Through metaphor, satire, and code-switching between languages and cultural references, Thawra and Ebaa Monther manage to express what many in their region cannot.

The collaboration is also a testament to the global diaspora’s role in amplifying local stories. Noise Diva’s presence on the track bridges the gap between those still living within conflict zones and those who have been displaced by it. Together, the trio crafts a narrative that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant.

The media is increasingly dominated by fleeting headlines and algorithm-driven news feeds, But the trio’s new single, ‘3antar’ demands that listeners pause, pay attention, and question what’s being left out of the story. It’s a reminder that behind every conflict reduced to a statistic or clickbait headline lies a human story, a culture, and a community fighting to survive and be seen.

As Thawra aptly puts it: “If you can’t speak for us, at least don’t turn your face away.”