UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: MUSIC AND DANCE

You can trace certain elements of Emirati back to its Bantu origins. Some of the rhythms in this area of the Arabian peninsula share similarities with liwa music of the Swahili coast of eastern Africa. These African rhythms blended with other Arab styles to create a particular Afro-Arab form; you can see these fusions in Bandari and Sha’abi al-Emirati music. Music is important to many aspects of their society, especially ceremonies and celebrations.

Most of the instruments used in traditional music have their roots in Bedouin music and are widely used throughout the region. You’ll often hear instruments such as the oud (a type of short-necked lute), the rababa (or rebab, a type of bowed string instrument), the daf (a type of tambourine), a doumbek (a goblet drum), the tanboura (a long-necked plucked string instrument), and the nai (a type of panflute).

There is a strong link between music and dance, many of these with origins from Bedouin and African music. One of the most well-known dances from the UAE is the Al Ayala dance (generally known as yowalah). Colloquially called “the stick dance,” this is a group dance where two rows of dancers face each other carrying a bamboo stick that represents a sword or spear. The musicians typically perform in between the rows of dancers, playing the drums, flute, and bagpipes. The yowalah is also performed as a victory dance upon returning from war or a successful pearl diving expedition, or making it through the grocery store and staying under budget (ok, that last one was me).

Narcy

I found quite a few modern musicians who were either born in the UAE or spent a significant amount of time living there. The first one I listened to was Narcy, a rapper who mixes a bit of jazz into his music. I really like his work. I listened to this the other night and added several of his songs into another playlist I have. Another one I listened to was Karl Wolf, really known for his remake of “Africa,” which I think is fantastic. I also liked Eslam Jawaad, who has a unique sound: part 90s hip-hop style but adds in regional rhythms and instruments. All three of these guys rap in English in a US/Canadian style.

Flamingods

I did manage to find a couple of rock bands. The first one I listened to was Flamingods. They kind of have an alternative style but almost seem like they’re fans of psychedelic rock. I listened to Point of View’s album Revolutionize the Revolutionary, which is a solid rock album. At times, they reminded me of System of a Down. I appreciate the acoustic guitar version of Bach’s Prelude in C# minor. Of course, one of the most well-known bands to come out of the UAE is the metal band Nervecell. If you like machine gun drums and growled lyrics, this is it.

Esther Eden

I also listened to Esther Eden. Her music tends to be more pop but mixed with a little folk and jazz. The cool thing is that she was sort of discovered by the British singer Jessie J when Jessie showed up to Esther’s school. Esther got the chance to perform an original song and Jessie was blown away, and then invited her to play that song at her concert.

Hollaphonic

And if you’re a fan of electronica or dance music, I’d highly recommend listening to Hollaphonic. They are good to listen to while working. I might even make an entire playlist of just their stuff.

Up next: the food