Introduction to Arabic music  - author Annie Zaidi
Arab music is one of the oldest in the world. It is not restricted to Saudi Arabia, but includes vast stretches like the Sahara in Africa, Morocco, Lebanon, Iraq and Egypt. And Arabic music is also a conglomerate of different influences. In ancient times, it was strongly influenced by the civilizations of Syria, Byzantium and Persia. There are also strong Greek, Turkish and Spanish influences.

The lute, natural trumpets and kettledrums are some of the most common traditional Arab instruments.

Initially, Arabic music was limited to slave singers, called quynat. Later, the royal courts began to patronize musicians and seven prices would become accomplished singers and composers. In fact, musicians had their own professional guilds.

In modern times, musicians have begun to move close to the Western pop models. Egypt is a major hub for Arabic musicians, and the center for gaining popularity on the charts. Many of the Arabic greats are of Egyptian origin, like Sayed Darwish, Zakariyya Ahmad and Riad Al Sunbati. Today, it is names like Fairouz, Tarkan, Roubi, Julia Boustros and Amr Diab that rule the roost. Diab has won world music awards and songs like Habibi and Sikkidim have taken over the top European and American charts. 

Author Annie Zaidi. copyright (c)indianchild.com