Contested Chants: The Nashīd Ṣalīl Al-Ṣawārim and its Appropriations

Abstract

In this chapter, we present an in-depth analysis of the well-known IS nashīdṢalīl al-Ṣawārim as well as a range of audiovisual appropriations, including a tutorial-like piano cover, an inverted (MIDIFLIP) version, a hardcore remix, an animated gamification version, a re-enactment of an IS beheading and a Misheard Lyrics version. All of these examples of audiovisual appropriation form a continuum of sonic and visual appropriation, wherein one form is dominant with regard to the complexity of the produced sounds or visuals. Central to this analysis is Al-Rawi’s (2016) concept of Anti-ISIS Humor, according to which these appropriations represent instruments to contest and renegotiate prevailing structures of power. The authors thus frame appropriations of IS anāshīd in the context of cultural resistance, showing how these practices challenge not only IS anāshīd but also IS as a whole, with its Salafi-Wahhabi-inspired doctrine and interpretation of Islam.