Arabic Music

Arabic Music

There are a few general basics that apply across all sub-genres within Arabic music. First, the music scale is different from Western musical scale. The Arab music scale is known as Maqam, or the plural maqamat. The closest approximation is Western music is mode of notes – major and minor, however. The structure remains unique to Arab music, probably because of the traditional instruments developed in the region.

Arabic music is predominantly vocal music. In general, the audience demands a higher level of vocal perfection than do Western audiences – no flat notes here, even “pop” singers are expected to perform at a level of classically trained vocalists.

Arab music relies heavily on melody instead of harmony or rhythm.

Conference of Arab Music

The first Conference of Arab music was held in Cairo, Egypt in 1932. This conference drew both Arab and Western classical music artists who came together to discuss and document trends in Arab music theory and style and is considered a landmark event in the history of the genre. This period marked a transition in both Arab and Western music for many reasons. An exchange of instruments and musical traditions was created through European colonialism and immigration from Arab lands to Europe. Colonialism also led to the creation of many regional variations of Arab folk music, some which can be equated to the protest music of 1960s America.

Cairo continues to host an annual Arab music conference and festival.

Sub-Genres

There are numerous sub-genres within Arabic music, most of them regional. The following is a list of some of the most popular:

Rai

Rai has its roots in Algeria. It began as folk music, blending the musical traditions of the Bedouin with elements from French and Spanish music. In its early days, the closest Western approximation of Rai would be early 20th century American folk/blues music – especially lyrically. However, in the 1980s and beyond, Rai has become more “pop.” This genre is popular throughout Northern Africa and Europe. Some of the biggest Rai stars are Ahmad Baba Rachid and Cheb Mami (who appeared on the Sting album Brand New Day).

Rai musicians have run afoul of the fundamentalist Islamic elements in Algeria because of their lyrics and some musicians have been exiled.

Kabylia

Kabylia music also comes from Algeria, and is also folk music. The name comes from the Kabylia area of country, populated by Berbers, who were the original creators of this genre.

This form of music was heavily influenced by French music and featured Western instruments like banjos and guitar. Kabylia was popular among members of the Algerian resistance movement during the French rule of the country and took many cues from 1960s American protest singers. In the 1980s, Kabylia moved more towards love songs and ballads.

Cheikh Nourredine and more recently, the Takfarrians are well known Kabylia musicians.

Arab Classical Music

Arab classical music is more similar to Western opera than Western orchestral classical music. The biggest star ever of Arab music performed in this style – Umm Kulthum (sometimes Om Kalthoum). This music is identified by its dramatic vocal stylings.

Arabesque Pop Music

This genre of music blends elements of Western pop and dance music with traditionally Arab instruments, and sometimes Arabic lyrics. It has its roots in Turkey, where a style of music known as Arabesque emerged in the 1960s (of which Orhan Gencebay is considered to be the founder). Arabesque pop music also is associated with immigrant communities in Europe, though contributions have come from places such as Iran and Egypt.

Further Resources

Arab music has an extensive history and many, many sub-genres and variations. A wealth of opportunities exist online to learn more and to hear different samples of music from around the Arab speaking world.

• Arab World Project – A great list of links to other sites with information of Arab music, Arab radio station, and Arab mp3 sites. You can find just about everything you need to know from this base.

• Maqam World – For all the boffins out there, a site dedicated to a very intricate and lofty discussion of the Arab Maqam and its evolution.

• Fairuz Online – Website dedicated to Fairuz, a landmark Lebanese vocalist, considered to be as important as Miles Davis, Ravi Shankar, and Bob Dylan to the music world.