The anthem of the Arab Spring
How a singer in Tunisia helped inspire young protestors all over the Middle East in 2011
Witness History · BBC World Service
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Show Notes
In December 2010, anti-government protests broke out in Tunisia after a young fruit-seller called Mohammed Bouazizi set himself alight outside a government office in the south of the country. At one of the huge rallies in Tunis, a young singer called Emel Mathlouthi sang a song called "Kelmti Horra" or "My Word is Free". A video of her passionate performance immediately went viral and inspired protestors to take to the streets in other parts of the Middle East in what became known as the Arab Spring. Emel Mathlouthi talks to Witness History.
PHOTO: Emel Mathlouthi performing in 2012 (Getty Images)