Did you know that quite a bit of music was released under Gaddafi’s regime? While much of this was sweeping orchestral patriotic songs, his regime commissioned several funk albums that were recorded in Malta and Italy. And honestly, they’re quite good!
The purpose of these albums was, of course, propaganda supporting Gaddafi’s ideology. (If you’re unfamiliar with Gaddafi’s ideology, check out our blog The Green Book: Gaddafi’s Quirky Manifesto .) The lyrics make many references to themes in his Green Book and the political ideals of his Jamahiriya system. The high-quality funk-disco sound would draw in a young audience, make the themes feel accessible, and promote Libya as a fresh and culturally vibrant state. The lyrics are mostly in English and Maltese- trying to engage international listeners. Malta was a close ally (both politically and geographically) at the time, and these albums were part of a soft-power campaign to promote the Jamahiriya system outside of Libya. Politically, Gaddafi and Dom Mintoff (Malta’s Prime Minister from 1971-1984) had close ties. Gaddafi helped finance many projects in Malta, and the two countries shared an anti-colonial sentiment. Geographically, Malta served as a bridge between North Africa and Europe, making it the perfect base for dispensing ideological content.
The most popular album, titled Jamahiriya (of course), was produced in Malta in 1980 using popular artists at the time, including Malta’s main Eurovision composers, and voices like Joe Cutajar, Mary Rose Mallia, and Bayzo. Using Maltese singers gave the album legitimacy and a feeling of cross-cultural friendliness. Some of my favorite song titles from this album that really capture the ethos include: Young Men Say It’s O.K. in Libya Today, September Revolution, Voice of Friendship and Solidarity, and From Libya Always Comes Something New .
Many thought these albums were lost to time, but with increased enthusiasm by collectors online, efforts have been made to digitize the albums and make them accessible to music and history lovers. While not every song commissioned by the regime has been digitized, much of the Jamahiriya album, as well as others have been. I’ll provide some links at the bottom of this page for you to take a listen for yourself!
One of the most popular surviving songs of this era is Sail Along Jamahiriya . Its lyrics are a call to all listeners to embrace Gaddafi’s vision and the concepts laid out in his Third International Theory (The Theory of Popular Rule- outlined in Gaddafi’s Green Book). Listeners are encouraged to metaphorically “sail along” with his political philosophy. The lyrics assure you that everyone in Libya is happy and free!
Lyrics
The challenge has been set to Libya
“The Theory of Popular Rule”
Teaching the democratic status
And an expression to all new
In Jamahiriya! Jamahiriya! Jamahiriha, sail along!
Jamahiriya! Jamahiriya! Jamahiriha, sing the song!
The al-Fatah Revolution
Brought progress to the Libyan land
The voice still echoes in the desert
The words Libyan understand!
In Jamahiriya! Jamahiriya! Jamahiriha, sail along!
Jamahiriya! Jamahiriya! Jamahiriha, sing the song!
Great benefits, achievements
Libya now is known worldwide
Go and ask each individual
The Libyans are all satisfied!
In Jamahiriya! Jamahiriya! Jamahiriha, sail along!
Jamahiriya! Jamahiriya! Jamahiriha, sing the song!
At the beginning of an era,
The people’s freedom Guaranteed!
The green flag will fly forever
And may all your ideals succeed!
In Jamahiriya! Jamahiriya! Jamahiriha, sail along!
Jamahiriya! Jamahiriya! Jamahiriha, sing the song!
Check out this video of the song- it is truly catchy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Gwpdu4Q6-Y
And if you liked that song and want to check out more, this is the best compilation of pro-Jamahiriya music I’ve been able to find. It includes many of the songs from the popular Maltese albums, as well as songs from a Yugoslavian album (Yugoslavia had a significant history of communist pop, particularly with its record label Jugoton), and a very chill Ghanaian track from 2012 titled Gaddafi, My Hero , that I highly recommend listening to. While you listen, take a scroll through the pro-Jamahiriya comments!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-BAMwZ3LuA
If you enjoyed this blog, take a look at some of our other music musings- Cool Music From Saiga’s Destinations , and More Music From Saiga’s Destinations . Interested in exploring the former Jamahiriya? Check out our Libya group tours here ! If you have any questions about Libya or any of our other destinations, send us an email at [email protected].
