Historically, the traditional Arabic music ensemble was known as the takht. It was a five piece ensemble consisting of the following instruments: the qanun, the oud, the riqq, the nay, and a type of spike fiddle called a kamanjah. In the late 1800’s the kamanjah was replaced by with the Western violin, which was known in the Arab world as the rababah.
Arabic weddings are often accompanied by very traditional or religious style music, often with dancing as well, such as the dabkah, a typical Arab folk dance that is practiced in many countries, with only slight variations.
The Star of the East. The Diva of Arabic Song. The Voice and Face of Egypt. Who else could these titles describe but Umm Kulthum, possibly the most famous and influential Arabic singer of all time?
What is it about Arabic music that gives it such an exotic sound and makes it so different from Western music? Is it the instruments, the beat, the language?
Abdel Halim Hafez is considered one of the four greats of Arabic song, along with Umm Kalthoum, Farid Al Attrach and Mohammed Abdel Wahab. Hafez was one of the most influential Egyptian musicians of the twentieth century, despite his fairly short career. He was most prominent during the 1950’s and 60’s. Today, more than thirty years after his death in 1977, his music is still played daily on the radio in Egypt and the Arab world.
Ahlan wa Sahlan! This website brings together topics across the spectrum of Arabic music, from Morocco to Iraq, Egypt, the Sahara and the Arabian peninsula. We explore these topics in detail, providing original information and also directing you to useful online resources such as Arabic music articles, Arabic music clips, and places to buy Arabic music.