Music video created using battery-powered devices in Damascus - in pictures

  • The music video for the song 'Ya Weel Weely', created by singer Shadi and his band Safadi, has topped five million views on YouTube within days of its release. Louai Beshara / AFP
    The music video for the song 'Ya Weel Weely', created by singer Shadi and his band Safadi, has topped five million views on YouTube within days of its release. Louai Beshara / AFP
  • The entire video was shot in Damascus, in a small room lit by battery-powered devices.
    The entire video was shot in Damascus, in a small room lit by battery-powered devices.
  • The economic situation in the city is worse now than what it was at the height of the decade-old conflict that is still ravaging parts of Syria.
    The economic situation in the city is worse now than what it was at the height of the decade-old conflict that is still ravaging parts of Syria.
  • Because of the conflict, electricity has become a rare commodity.
    Because of the conflict, electricity has become a rare commodity.
  • When Shadi and the band brainstormed over a low-budget video, the only way not to be defeated by power outages was to embrace them.
    When Shadi and the band brainstormed over a low-budget video, the only way not to be defeated by power outages was to embrace them.
  • The video is filled with humour and is relatable to most of the Syrian population who spend long summer evenings in the dark.
    The video is filled with humour and is relatable to most of the Syrian population who spend long summer evenings in the dark.
  • The video's success marks a huge breakthrough for the band that is now gaining recognition in Syria and around the world.
    The video's success marks a huge breakthrough for the band that is now gaining recognition in Syria and around the world.