Saudi label Rotana drops star-studded 'diss track' targeting Qatar, which backfires hilariously on social media

Saudi label Rotana drops star-studded 'diss track' targeting Qatar, which backfires hilariously on social media
A Saudi record label has attempted to rile up support for the Riyadh-led boycott of neighbouring Qatar by releasing a "diss track" - and it has backfired stupendously on Twitter.
2 min read
06 Sep, 2017
The song is the latest attempt to discredit Doha amid a Gulf diplomatic crisis [YouTube]
A Saudi record label has attempted to rile up support for the Riyadh-led boycott of neighbouring Qatar by releasing a "diss track" - and it has backfired stupendously on Twitter.

Rotana Group on Monday released "Teach Qatar [a lesson]", which features vocals from some of the most popular Saudi artists including Mohammad Abdo and Rabeh Sager.

The song is the latest attempt to discredit Doha amid a diplomatic crisis shaking the Gulf between Qatar and its neighbours.

"Teach Qatar, and those who support Qatar, that our country is patient. But when things become dangerous by God you will see its men take action," the song's lyrics go as a music video shows images of Saudi King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman.

"We stab in the face not in the back, even when the knot is big we can still unravel it. Twenty years of scheming, treachery and conspiracy we all know the deal," it continues.

"Saudi Arabia is the epitome of might and enshrinement, we live in the shadow of God and under the state's protection. Saudi Arabia is sky, earth and sea… safety, stability and pride in its champions," it adds.

On June 5, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt cut diplomatic and economic ties with Qatar and imposed a land, air and sea blockade against the emirate.

The Saudi-led bloc has accused Doha of supporting Islamist extremism and being too close to Iran - Qatar has categorically denied the charges.

The song has gained traction online since its release with over 2.5 million views on YouTube, however, it has also been made fun of ruthlessly on social media.

Twitter users have dubbed the song "the most pathetic diss track" in the history of modern music with others accusing the singers of only agreeing to appear in the song for monetary gains.

Others pointed out that many of the singers have actually sung odes in praise Qatar in the past, such as Abdul Majeed Abdullah who previously performed the song "I swear I love you Qatar as much as the sky and sea".

Majid al-Mohandes sung the track "Qatar is my soul".