When you think about Arabic music, your mind, more often than not, may tend to categorize this musical genre in geographical terms. However, in a recent interview with Mohammad Kablawi, musician of the group Fusion Al Arab, who will be playing next July 13 at Mina A’Salam Hotel in Madinat Jumeirah in Candlelight’s A Century of Arabic Music concert, revealed to us that this music is much more than its geographical origin.
Since pre-Islamic times, Arabic music was no more than oral poetry accompanied by a drum or oud that respected the poetic meter. The songs were simple and used only one melody. Usually, the stories they told were of worship, resilience, and love for their prophets without leaving aside those of heartbreak, anger, and revenge, of course. In short, Arabic music was a poetic celebration of the intricacies of life, and it remains so today.
Take a deep dive into the history of Arabic music with Candlelight
From the traditional songs of Muwashshah to the most modern fusions with Hussain Al Jassmi, the group Fusion Al Arab will honor in a 60-minute concert the most important exponents of Arabic music. “It wasn’t easy to choose the songs we’ll play in the concert,” said Mohammad. “We relied on our experience as Arab people for it. We chose those songs that we know have great importance in our culture and that everyone can easily identify with,” he concluded.
Through a geographical and temporal journey, the musicians will take you to Al-Ándalus to start your journey to the rhythm of “Lamma Bada Yatathanna,” then, you will move on to Egypt, where the songs of “Longa Riad” and “Longa Shahnaz” will introduce you to the core of Arabic music, its notes, scales and the intricate way of playing this genre. Followed by an all time classics by Umm Kulthum and Mohammed Abdel Wahab with “Alef Leila W Leila” and “Ya Msafer Wahdak.”
But don’t settle in just yet, as you’ll take a leap into Syria with folk songs that are sure to bring out some deep memories. You’ll continue your journey through Lebanon to the rhythm of “Nassam Alayna” by the iconic Fairuz; and make a brief stop in Iraq with Ilham al-Madfai‘s “Maasal.” To conclude the trip, the group Fusion Al Arab will take you to North Africa to enjoy the unique rhythms of Morocco and Algeria, and finally, you will land in the Persian Gulf to the rhythm of the modern fusions offered by Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Discover Arab music surrounded by thousands of candles
“The Arab world is a great part of the world that has not yet been discovered by others, but that holds unimaginable wonders,” according to Mohammad, musician of the group Fusion Al Arab. This is why Candlelight brings a unique concert dedicated to the greatest exponents of Arabic music for all those who want to connect with their heritage and for those curious to delve into this part of the world so beautiful and full of history.
On July 13, surround yourself with thousands of candles at the iconic Mina A’Salam Hotel in Madinat Jumeirah and enjoy a night to the rhythm of Arabic beats like never before. There will be two concerts the same night, one at 7:00 p.m. and the other at 9:00 p.m. for you to enjoy. So, make sure to grab your tickets fast, as they’re already selling out.