Emirati Musical Journey: The Evolution of Individual Singing in Early Tracks

New book Explores the Roots of Emirati Song

Abu Dhabi (Al Ittihad) – A new book, “Emirati Songs: Its First Paths and Old Sources,” by researcher and critic Ali Al-Abdan, published by the Abu Dhabi Center for the Arabic Language, offers a comprehensive look at the history of Emirati song.The work distinguishes itself through its detailed examination of popular singing in the UAE from the 1930s through the 1960s – a pivotal period in the crystallization of the genre.

the book, structured across six chapters, delves into the origins of Emirati songs, tracing their musical and performance elements to their earliest sources. It explores the growth of music and lyrics within the Emirates, highlighting the emergence of individual Emirati singers and the unique characteristics of Emirati song itself.

Al-Abdan’s research also illuminates the initial attempts to document Emirati songs in written form,defining the concept of popular ritual and its historical context within the Gulf region and the Emirates specifically. He analyzes the influence of lyrical templates and sources on Emirati song, offering detailed analyses of Emirati arts in terms of both performance and musicality, breaking down melodic and rhythmic components.The author further assesses the progress made by Emirati artists and profiles the artistic companies that supported the growth of Emirati song. He also reviews previous research efforts to document Emirati music, acknowledging their importance while pointing to areas that require further exploration.

Al-Abdan defines popular ritualism as a professional, solo performance, typically featuring a vocalist accompanied by instruments to maintain rhythm. He emphasizes that this is a craft-based performance, distinguished by careful selection of lyrics, composition, instrumentation, and execution – resulting in a unique and commercially viable art form.

Regarding the origins of Emirati popular ritual, the author notes its emergence in the 1930s and 40s, with performers interpreting well-known Gulf lyrical templates. This period coincided with the introduction of recorded music cylinders to cities and regions within the Emirates.

“Emirati Songs: Its First Paths and Old Sources” serves as a valuable foundation for a new generation of music researchers in the Emirates, providing a springboard for continued research into the history of Emirati song and fostering scientific musical inquiry that will enrich the broader cultural landscape.

how did the influence of Egyptian and Lebanese music shape the early production quality of Emirati recordings?

The Pre-1970s Landscape: Seeds of a Vocal Tradition

Before the formation of the united Arab Emirates in 1971,the musical landscape of the region – encompassing what would become the UAE – was largely defined by communal performances. Customary Emirati music, deeply rooted in Bedouin culture and maritime life, prioritized collective storytelling through song. Individual vocal expression, while present, was typically woven into these larger ensembles.

Communal Singing: Focus was on group harmonies and call-and-response patterns,particularly in genres like Al-Nahma (a traditional seafaring song) and Al-Razfa (a warrior dance with vocal accompaniment).

Poetry as Foundation: Lyrics were almost exclusively derived from Nabati poetry, often recited or sung by a designated poet within the group. The emphasis wasn’t on vocal virtuosity, but on the power of the words and the shared experience.

Limited Recording Technology: The scarcity of recording technology meant that musical preservation relied heavily on oral tradition.This naturally favored easily memorized, collectively performed pieces. Early recordings, when they existed, frequently enough captured entire ensembles rather than soloists.

Influence of Neighboring Gulf States: Musical exchange with neighboring Gulf states like Kuwait and Bahrain played a role, introducing subtle variations in style and instrumentation, but the core principle of communal performance remained dominant.

The Rise of Radio and Early Recordings (1960s-1970s)

The introduction of radio broadcasting and the gradual availability of recording equipment marked a turning point. This period saw the first tentative steps towards recognizing and promoting individual singing talent.

Radio as a Platform: Radio stations, primarily broadcasting from neighboring countries, began featuring Emirati singers, albeit often as part of larger orchestral arrangements. This provided exposure, but often diluted the raw, traditional sound.

Early Pioneers: Singers like Mohammed Al-salem and Ali Al-Mulla emerged as early pioneers. While still heavily influenced by traditional styles, their recordings began to showcase individual vocal characteristics. These artists often performed covers of popular Arabic songs alongside original compositions.

The Influence of Egyptian and Lebanese Music: The dominance of Egyptian and Lebanese music in the Arab world heavily influenced the production quality and arrangement of early Emirati recordings. Producers often sought to emulate the polished sound of these established music industries.

Instrumentation Shifts: The oud (a pear-shaped stringed instrument) remained central, but the introduction of instruments like the qanun (a zither-like instrument) and the tabla (a percussion instrument) broadened the sonic palette.

The Post-Unification Era: A Blossoming of Individual Voices (1971-1980s)

The formation of the UAE in 1971 brought a surge of national pride and a renewed interest in preserving and promoting Emirati culture. This translated into increased support for local musicians and a greater emphasis on individual artistic expression.

Government Support for the Arts: The UAE government began investing in cultural initiatives, including music festivals and recording studios. This provided a platform for Emirati singers to develop their craft and reach a wider audience.

The Emergence of Distinct Vocal Styles: Singers like Khaled Al-Najjar and Mansour Al-Mansouri began to develop distinct vocal styles, moving away from the purely traditional and incorporating elements of modern Arabic pop music.

Focus on national Themes: Lyrics increasingly focused on themes of national identity, patriotism, and the rapid modernization of the UAE. This resonated with a population eager to embrace its newfound independence.

The Role of Cassette Tapes: The widespread availability of cassette tapes revolutionized music distribution. Emirati singers could now bypass traditional record labels and reach audiences directly. This fostered a more autonomous and diverse music scene.

Early Music Videos: The nascent stages of music video production began to appear, offering a visual dimension to Emirati songs and further promoting individual artists.

Key Characteristics of Early Emirati Individual Singing

Several defining characteristics distinguished the evolution of individual singing in these early tracks:

1. *V