Omani version of Despacito features high cost of marriages, goes viral

(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Muscat- Omani artistes have given a humorous take to the popular video albumDespacito which has got 2.5bn views. While the original one is about relationship, the local version on YouTube highlights the high cost of marriages in the Omani society.

This version starts with the lead singer, Omani musician Mohamed al Munji, visiting the father of the woman he wishes to marry. The father demands that any suitor should own an apartment, a car and provideshabka (jewellery given as a gift to the bride) as well as pay dowry. 'Why do you put conditions that break our backs? Have you forgotten how cheap dowries used to be in your time?' Munji sings to the father.

In the video, the lyrics of the original song is replaced withAthabtohom (You are tormenting them) in Arabic.

The song urges the elderly not to force young men to 'run after money and superficialities' and to let them marry their daughters.

Omani entertainer Muhannad al Adwani, better known as Hanood, raps in Arabic to the beat of Daddy Yankee's original segment, telling parents that marriage should be 'simple, simple' without expensive demands from them.

'He wanted her, they got engaged. Her parents said yes, packed her bags and celebrated her arrival to her new home. And then they marry and they finally rest. See? It's simple.'

The video has received positive comments on social media for highlighting the issue of expensive dowries, which has been a much-discussed matter in Oman for many years now.

The video can be watched at

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