Feature: What Makes Khaleeji Rhythms Swing?
PRESENTER
Alexandra Ivanova
ORIGINAL CITY
Dubai
Original Date
February 23, 2019
Description
This presentation explores the intricacies of rhythms from the Gulf, specifically why most of them have a certain 'swing' element. It draws on historical sources highlighting the history of slave trade in the region, imported instruments, musical traditions and swinging rhythms. The presentation features an overview of the most important African-influenced Khaleeji rhythms, from the UAE via Saudi Arabia to Yemen, and includes some examples of their contemporary interpretations. Today's most striking fusion projects blend Khaleeji rhythms with other related styles as for instance Jazz or Cuban music, which all share a similar language influenced by the history of slave trade with Africa.
ABOUT THE AFIKRA COMMUNITY PRESENTATIONS
A community member delivers an in-depth presentation on a topic related to the Arab world’s history and culture during a one-hour online event. The presentation is the culmination of a month-long afikra coaching process to help identify a topic, find research, and develop the presentation. The goal is to showcase the presenter’s curiosity, research, and share some knowledge. Each presentation is followed by a moderated Q&A with questions coming from the live virtual audience on Zoom.
Sources & Future References
Lisa Urkevich: Music and Traditions of the Arabian Peninsula, 2015
Tarek Yamani & Rony Afif: The Percussion Ensemble of the Arabian Peninsula, 2017
Jerzy Zdanowski: Slavery in the Gulf in the First Half of the 20th Century
Aisha Bilkhair Khalifa: African influence on culture and music in Dubai
Slave trade brought 800,000 Africans to the Gulf in The National
Note: All community presentations are prepared & presented by non-experts on the subject. They are sharing information in the hopes of spurring interest in that subject.
