Satirical song emerges as a form of soft power, cleverly employing simple melodies and the folk traditions of Zajal to critique political and social realities. In this context, music transcends its role as a mere backdrop; through melodic repetition and lyrical dialogue, it becomes a pivotal tool that heightens the satirical impact. This session explores the role of Omar El-Zeenni’s music in amplifying irony and social commentary, analyzing his diverse musical techniques to understand their influence in achieving his artistic and critical objectives.

Father Badih El Hajj is a priest and the head and director of Beit Chabab Hospital in Lebanon. A prominent figure in the Maronite Church, he holds a PhD in Musicology and is well-known for his cultural contributions, including a book on the composer Toufic El Bacha. He is active across the healthcare, educational, and musical sectors.

The discussion will be moderated by Suleiman Bakhti, a prominent writer, publisher, and director of Dar Nelson Publishing. Bakhti is a regular contributor to An-Nahar newspaper and Al-Modon, and has authored numerous works while participating in various cultural conferences across Lebanon.