Omani Music And Its Uniqueness
As you all have read my blogs I am doing a series where I am talking about music and its uniqueness. Oman a beautiful country that is set in the middle east and has a very different cultural background and mindset. I have lived in Oman for almost my entire life and I feel privileged that I got an opportunity to stay in this land that is so diverse in terms of tradition and heritage. Omani music has played a very important in sculpting the country’s heritage because of various tribe’s and community’s music. This music has developed some complex rhythms that make us feel energized and refreshed. Polyrhythms are the unique feature of Omani music because of the foot-tapping sequence and the accompanying instruments like bagpiper and sea conch. As mentioned earlier Oman has a lot of tribes and people migrating from African countries like Zanzibar which was a part of the Omani kingdom. Trading through sea routes exposed Oman to western culture and music as they adopted a few like the Scottish bagpiper into their musical culture.
Emotions and storytelling are one of the main Omani music traditions we come across because in this country we can see various tribes performing their music in a very unique and charismatic way. The fisherman community use instruments like the sea conch along with their percussion and vocal ensemble and the warriors use swords and guns. The fisherman narrates their experience during fishing and what they felt during that process. Like the African and Indian musical traditions, we can see that the music is passed on from generations and we can see this attitude because of the trade links these countries had. Most of the percussion and other instruments are made from wood and animal skin because they were the primary materials available as the region was deserted. As time passed by we can see how western music has created an impression in Oman because we have an elite symphony orchestra and military bands where they imbibe the traditional Omani music to enhance the performance. What makes Omani music interesting and relaxing is the smile and energy the performers showcase leads foundation to the entire concert and makes it very entertaining and pleasing. There is usually a systematic approach in this music system where a group of people dressed in traditional attires start to sing along with the wind section and then it is followed by the percussion section.
The enthusiasm and the communicating skills make this genre stand out of all the other performances. I feel mesmerized whenever I am a part of this musical journey. The dance, the sound, and the people make it meditative in a different way. The reason I say Omani music is meditative and cherishing is because we will get involved in it and experience a very different aura that makes us feel light. People in Oman believe music is the best way to express their emotions and they become a part of it when the performance is going on. Traditional music is very open and does not restrict itself so people become a part of the ensemble and this is what makes this genre unique. Foreign influences have helped Oman nurture their music like the bagpiper adds color to the music and also the percussion instruments give a taste of the culture. As I have said earlier the rhythm, dance, and energy is what makes this music unique, meditative, and welcoming.
