Līwa (Arabic:ليوه /ALA-LC:laywah) is aKhaleeji traditional dance ofAfrican origin performed inEastern Arabia (Arab states of the Persian Gulf), mainly within communities of descendants of people from theSwahili Coast (Tanzania andZanzibar). It is also performed by the African-descendedSheedi community, as well as theBaloch ofMakran Coast andKarachi area.
A large number of male participants arrange themselves into a circle, which is anchored by one or several drum players. A man paces in the middle of the group playing a simple reed instrument calledmizmar orsurnai, whose plaintive sharp sound reminds the listener of anoboe. The circle claps and dances in place, while individuals join a line which rhythmically paces around the inside of the circle. The Liwa is a more casual dance than the others, and can be performed with great spirit and banter from the young men who usually take part.
The three backing drums for this dance are theshindo, thejabwah, and thejasser. More recently, a fourth drum—known as the Peeper—was added.[citation needed] This drummer plays a dominant role, which gives him plenty of opportunity for a virtuoso performance.
Themizmar has an oboe-like sound and produces a haunting melody, which is lent particular poignancy by the easterntonic scale to which it is tuned. Like the oboe, it is made in two pieces, with a double reed fitted into the second piece. The best instruments these days are made of Africanhardwood inMombassa andDar Es Salaam. Their cost can be as high as $2,000.
The Liwa begins with amizmar solo of about six minutes in slow tempo. The drums join in, followed by the ten dancers/singers, and gradually the pace increases to reach a spectacular swirl of activity. The whole dance takes about 25 minutes and both men and women can be involved in a performance.
The singing is always performed inSwahili—the native language ofTanzania andZanzibar. These were both major trading partners with thePersian Gulf in centuries past, and have lent their language and culture to influence this fascinating dance.
It is especially performed onEid and other celebrations.