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Themusic of Saudi Arabia includes both Western and traditional music. The most distinguished musician in recent Saudi history isTariq Abdulhakeem, who composed hundreds of famous Saudi songs for himself as well as for other singers;Saraj Omar has become a very prominent composer after writing the music for theSaudi national anthem;Mohammed Abdu, dubbed the artist of theArab world;Talal Maddah who died in August 2000 while singing in the summer festival on the stage ofAl-Muftaha Theatre in the southern region of Saudi Arabia. The1st Arab Pioneers Festival, which was held inCairo under the patronage of theArab League, honored four of the lead composers in Saudi Arabia:Tariq Abdulhakeem,Ghazi Ali,Mohamed Alsenan, andMohammed Shafiq Chughtai. Of the same generation are theoud virtuosoAbadi al Johar,Rabeh Saqer andAbdul-Majeed Abdullah.
Saudi traditional music is quite limited. However, the migratory lifestyle of the bedouin militated against carrying excess baggage, including musical instruments. Simple rhythms, with the beat counted by clapping or striking together everyday implements formed the basis of the music. Instruments like the double-reededney or the stringedrababa were sometimes used, after being obtained in cosmopolitan cities such asJeddah.
However, music is considered "sinful" or "haram" by Wahhabi Muslims, includingSalah Al Budair who is theImam of theGrand mosque in Medina. This is based in part on certainAhadith which speak negatively of non-percussion musical instruments and the idea that music and art are distractions from God. Some Muslims also believe it is sinful for songs to make any mention of women and for women to be involved in the composition of music.[1] Particularly in the early days of the current Saudi state, religious authorities were quick to repress music other than the rhythmic percussion that still dominates contemporary Saudi music.
Ibtisam Lutfi andEtab were among the first two female singers from Saudi Arabia,[2] with 1979 being a pivotal year for the emergence of female musicianship in the kingdom.[3]
Omar Basaad was chosen as the best Saudi DJ and Electronic Dance Music Producer in 2012, bySaudi Gazette.[4] He became the first official Saudi EDM (Electronic Dance Music) producer to represent Saudi Arabia internationally.[5][6][7]
Samri is a popular traditional music and dance style in Najd Region.
In 2023, the firstSaudi Idol competition was held in Riyadh, with judges Aseel Abu Bakr,Ahlam,Assala, andMaged al Mohandes. 29-year-old Hams Fekri, a singer from Jeddah, won the title.[8]
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Ardah, a type offolkloricdance, is the most popular dance in Saudi Arabia, and also thenational dance.[9] It is performed with two rows of men opposite of one another, each of whom may or may not be wielding a sword or cane, and is accompanied by drums and spoken poetry.[10]
Najdi ardah is the most common variant of ardah in Saudi Arabia. It is also the most practiced and highly televised male folkloric dance in the entire country. The Saudi government changed its name to 'Saudi ardah' in the 21st century. However, there are numerous variations of ardah distinct from Najdi ardah throughout the country, notably in the regions ofNajran,Asir andJizan.[11]
Rock and metal artists from Saudi Arabia includeThe AccoLade andAl-Namrood.
Pursuant to the order of the Saudi Crown Prince, the first music teaching institute was established in Riyadh in 2019. The Institute was launched by the Egyptian violinist Mahmoud Sorour.[12] Sorour plans to train around 50 violinists to enable them to perform in Jeddah opera house that is planned to be launched in 2022.[13]
