Arabic song “Ah Ya London” goes viral on TikTok after 10 years
The 2014 track “Ah Ya London” by Emirati singer Adel Ibrahim has found unexpected viral fame on TikTok, thanks to a unique trend that’s capturing attention worldwide. The song has become the soundtrack to a new social media phenomenon centered around 360-degree photography in London.
The trend began at a popular spot in central London, where creators film themselves on a rotating platform set up on a bridge. As Ibrahim’s catchy tune plays in the background, participants are captured in stunning 360-degree videos that show off the city’s iconic backdrop.
What started as a London-specific trend by 360 Events has now inspired TikTok users globally to create their own versions. Creators worldwide are now recreating the effect by having someone walk around them while filming, as “Ah Ya London” plays in the background. The simple yet engaging format has helped the decade-old song find a new audience on social media.
The viral trend typically features:
- A person standing on an elevated platform or surface
- A camera operator circling around them
- Adel Ibrahim’s “Ah Ya London” playing as background music
Finding joy in difficult times
Even in Gaza, where Palestinians are facing extreme hardship, the trend has brought moments of light relief. Videos show local youth participating in the challenge, demonstrating how music and social media can provide brief moments of connection and joy even in the most challenging circumstances.
Behind the lyrics: A story of love and longing
The song’s lyrics tell a poignant story of longing and separation in London. In “Ah Ya London,” Adel Ibrahim sings about missing someone who might have forgotten him while being far away in the city. The emotional lyrics describe the fog that hides his loved one’s silhouette and the impossibility of separation, expressing deep feelings of love and longing. The singer wonders about his beloved’s well-being in London, describing the city as becoming “the address of the letter” with tears as its ink.
The track’s melancholic theme creates an interesting contrast with its current upbeat usage on social media, where it has become a soundtrack for joyful moments captured in 360-degree videos.
Want to sing along? Check out the complete lyrics of “Ah Ya London” with English translation and phonetic Arabic transcription on Arabsounds.net.
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