Despite the five years of ongoing conflict in Yemen, Yemenis have not ceased to find solace in music, which has remained a cherished passion for many amidst the turmoil of war. The appreciation for music has not only endured but has sparked a burgeoning musical movement in recent years, a phenomenon deserving of closer examination. Alongside emerging young singers who have captured the spotlight and reshaped the Yemeni music landscape, garnering widespread popularity both at home and abroad, a diverse musical scene has taken shape in Yemen. Some artists are dedicated to preserving and revitalizing Yemeni musical traditions, while others are pushing boundaries and experimenting with new sounds within the Yemeni music sphere.
In spite of the widespread praise received by some young Yemeni artists and the excitement surrounding their work, they are subject to criticism from music critics and art enthusiasts who doubt their authenticity, portraying them as individuals who have thrived due to the prevalence of social media platforms.
Migration to the Gulf
Driven by the growing interest exhibited by Gulf countries in art and music, a wave of Yemeni artists has chosen to relocate to the region for both living and working opportunities. Meanwhile, others have opted to settle in different Arab nations. Among them, some have successfully captured a substantial following within the Gulf and Arab spheres, crafting songs that blend new melodies and introduce novel elements beyond the traditional trifecta of lyrics, melody, and performance. This artistic evolution is palpable through the incorporation of diverse musical instruments, innovative musical arrangements, studio enhancements, theatrical presentations, and other cutting-edge techniques. In contrast, artists remaining in Yemen have found themselves constrained by a lack of innovation, with limited access to training and support from the state, rendering their creative output predominantly a product of individual effort.
Despite the perceptible rise in regional acclaim for Yemeni music, it has yet to break free from its conventional mold in terms of melodies and performances.
Notably, a cohort of Yemeni artistic luminaries recently breathed life into a captivating musical evening during the Riyadh Season festivities, orchestrated by the Saudi General Entertainment Authority at the prestigious Abu Bakr Salem Theater in Riyadh. Dubbed "The Joyful Night of Yemen," this event served as a vibrant celebration of Yemeni art and culture, featuring enchanting musical performances and folklore displays. The evening commenced with lively traditional dances by various Yemeni groups, eliciting enthusiastic support from the Yemeni audience. The musical extravaganza showcased the talents of Ahmed Fathi, Hussein Mahboub, Fouad Abdulwahid, Awadh bin Salem, and Walid Al-Jilani.
The concert commenced with a selection of Hussein Mahboub's beloved songs, including the enchanting "You are a Verse of Beauty," setting the stage for the subsequent artists to captivate the audience with their stirring musical renditions.
The Passing of Yemen's Star after a Rich Artistic Journey
In December 2017, the esteemed Yemeni and Arab artist Abu Bakr Salem Balfaqih departed from the artistic scene after a five-decade-long artistic journey, leaving behind a rich legacy that will remain deeply rooted in the memory of Yemeni and Arab art in general. Abu Bakr distinguished himself with his pure and unique voice, standing as one of the giants of Yemeni art who enriched the Arab library with many outstanding artistic works. His voice was authentic and complete, a distinctive hallmark in the history of Yemeni and Arab music. His passing reverberated widely, mourned by Yemenis, Gulf citizens, and Arabs with profound sorrow; the artist Mohammed Abdo eulogized him by saying: "Abu Bakr Salem remains our great teacher from whom we learn a great deal. He carried a significant artistic and cultural message, with a distinctive artistic identity. We benefit from his literature and culture." Former Yemeni Minister of Culture Khaled Al-Ruwishan also mourned him, stating: "Abu Bakr Salem has passed away, enduring the throes of death alongside his people. He was the voice of Yemeni art for sixty years. Throughout his life, he insisted on singing the melodies and lyrics of his beloved Yemen with belonging and pride." Rotana TV recently released a diverse medley of Abu Bakr's most prominent songs, which was widely acclaimed.
The truth is, such external movements by Yemeni artists present a valuable opportunity to remind us of Yemeni heritage and reclaim the identity of many songs that have been circulated in the Gulf artistic and media circles without acknowledging their Yemeni origins.
The absence of a governmental body overseeing the welfare of first-generation artists during the war, compounded by the suspension of government salaries in key sectors, reflects the exacerbated neglect these artists face. The political division in Yemen further exacerbates the challenges and lack of support for these talented individuals.
Older Generation Singers
In contrast to the new endeavors of some young singers and their diverse sources of income, especially with the opportunities they have had to hold musical concerts outside Yemen, we find that neglect (particularly during the war) has unfortunately affected many of the older generation artists who are still alive, as well as those who have passed away, amidst official and popular neglect. This includes artists like the late Abdulkarim Tawfeeq, who recently departed.
The absence of a governmental body overseeing the welfare of first-generation artists during the war, compounded by the suspension of government salaries in key sectors, reflects the exacerbated neglect these artists face. The political division in Yemen further exacerbates the challenges and lack of support for these talented individuals.
Yemenis have recently witnessed the honoring of the artist Ayoub Taresh Absi outside Yemen by prominent Yemeni figures. Additionally, the artist Abdul Basit Absi was recently honored in Sanaa. These honoring initiatives have been widely acclaimed. Consequently, calls have emerged on social media to honor the remaining Yemeni artists who have made significant contributions to the Yemeni music scene. These calls merit a response, as these artists have consistently enriched Yemeni music with their talents. The proposed list of honorees includes artists such as Ahmed Al-Sunaidar, Mohammed Attaroosh, Abdul Rahman Al-Haddad, Yahya Al-Arouma, Ali Al-Attas, and others.
The State of Polarization
The world of Yemeni music and singers has not been immune to the significant polarization within the country, driven by various conflicting parties. Music has been harnessed to serve as a tool for rallying support and engaging in hostile activities. In Sanaa, some singers have released politically charged songs targeting specific individuals and groups. However, these singers have failed to consider the potential consequences of such actions, which could limit their artistic endeavors. An exemplary instance is the banning of singer Salah Al-Akhfash from entering Saudi Arabia due to his songs that criticize the Saudi monarchy.
Restrictions on Music
The realm of music has found itself stifled by the stringent measures enforced by conflicting factions. Among these measures, there have been instances where the celebration of musical performances at weddings has been outright prohibited. Furthermore, certain factions have actively fueled anti-music sentiments, using religious justifications to condemn both the art of music and its practitioners. These arguments are often rooted in religious doctrines that prohibit the act of listening to music, thereby creating a challenging environment for musicians and music enthusiasts alike.
Previously, the Houthi group (Ansar Allah) prevented singers in their controlled areas from performing at wedding events, as highlighted by Yemeni activists on social media. Similarly, singer Ali Kharbi faced repercussions in the Abs district of Hajjah for his participation in a wedding party. Sources close to Kharbi confirmed to "Khuyut" that he was detained by the Houthi authorities in Hajjah and later released after pledging not to sing at weddings again.
Despite the challenges encountered across all levels, Yemeni music has persisted during the era of conflict, attracting increased interest, particularly from the younger generation. However, it remains in need of scientific and technical advancements through dedicated institutes and specialized artistic institutions.
The Influence of Social Media
With the remarkable surge in the utilization of social media platforms, Yemeni music, particularly the distinctive Sana'a style, has transcended borders and resonated across the Arab world, propelled by candid recordings. A notable example is a video capturing a child selling water while joyfully singing a snippet of the song "Habibi Anta Wainak Min Zaman," which captivated social media users in the Arab sphere and garnered attention on select television channels that featured the talented young singer, Amro Ahmed. This heartwarming moment swiftly captured the hearts of the online community and inspired various Arab musical groups to reinterpret the enchanting melody.
Musical Innovations
In recent times, the Yemeni artist and maestro Ahmed Fathi has been at the forefront of evolving Yemeni and Arab musical elements. Through a series of songs crafted with diverse melodies, Fathi has sparked a broad resonance within Yemen and the Gulf region. Among his notable compositions are the soul-stirring "The Year of Peace," crafted in the Ajam maqam, and the song "I bring you good news, Salem," composed in the Kurd maqam. These musical creations not only showcase Fathi's artistry but also serve as a testament to the rich tapestry of Yemeni and Arab music flourishing under his innovative touch.
Regarding the singer Hussein Muhib, his musical journey has seen a transition from performing primarily at weddings and local events in Yemen to revitalizing a repertoire of Yemeni songs, particularly those immortalized by the late artist Mohammed Hamoud Al-Harithi. Venturing beyond Yemen, Hussein Muhib has traveled between Gulf countries and Egypt, captivating audiences with his performances. In recent times, he has introduced new songs with Gulf-inspired melodies, exemplified by the track "Choose the Moment of Your Entry," composed in the Kurd maqam. Conversely, the song "Al-Hawa Arzaq" emanates a distinct Yemeni essence, composed by the talented artist Ahmed Fathi in the Bayat maqam and lyricized by the poet Ahmed Al-Sharabi.
One standout example of Yemeni musical prowess transcending boundaries is the enchanting track "Ya Layali Ya Layali," sung by the artist Salah Al-Akhfash. This song has mesmerized audiences worldwide, amassing over seventy million views on YouTube. Its enduring popularity is further evidenced by renditions from renowned artists like Majid Al-Mohandes and Fouad Abdul Wahed, underscoring its timeless charm. Notably, the song had been previously sung by the esteemed artist Ibrahim Al-Taifi, showcasing its enduring legacy in Yemeni musical heritage.
Yemeni Music Makes its Mark in the World of Orchestras
In a groundbreaking moment, the Hadhrami Orchestra took center stage at the Malaysian Opera House in "Astana Budaya" in Kuala Lumpur, introducing new dimensions to the traditional Hadhrami musical tapestry. Under the baton of Maestro Mohamed Al-Qahoum, the orchestra presented six captivating musical pieces infused with a fusion of Western and Hadhrami melodies, showcasing a vibrant array of colors including Dan and Zurbadi alongside other distinctive traditional Yemeni nuances. The performance also featured mesmerizing displays of ancient traditional dances, involving a talented ensemble of 90 musicians and dancers hailing from Yemen, Malaysia, Japan, and beyond, crafting a masterpiece of Yemeni musical art that resonated on a global scale.
Despite the formidable challenges faced across all fronts, Yemeni music has persevered amidst the backdrop of conflict, drawing heightened interest, particularly among the younger generation. With each passing day, as the spotlight on Yemeni music intensifies, there remains a crucial need for continual scientific and technical advancements to enrich and elevate the essence of Yemeni melodies. This evolutionary journey is deeply intertwined with the progress of institutions and educational establishments dedicated to nurturing and refining Yemeni music, paving the way for its evolution beyond its traditional roots.
