Sawt (music)

Sawt (Arabic: صوت / ALA-LC: Ṣawt; literally "voice"; also spelled sout or sowt) is a kind of popular music found in Kuwait and Bahrain.

Mirwas drum

History

It is said that sawt was established in Kuwait by the poet, composer, singer and oud player Abdallah al-Faraj (1836-1901/1903).[1][2] The Bahraini historian Mubārak al-'Ammārī believes that sawt was known in Kuwait before 1766, and in Bahrain since 1783.[2] Saleh and Daoud Al-Kuwaity were widely considered among one of its earliest pioneers.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7]

Description

Sawt is a complex form of urban music, originally performed on the 'ud (plucked lute) and mirwas (a drum), with a violin later supplementing the arrangement.

Two men perform the dance, which is called "Zaffan". Al-Sout is performed only at night gatherings of men. It is called "Samra" (nightly chat).

References
  1. Rolf Killius (2017). "The Cradle of Arabic Sawt Music: The Early Musician Generations in Kuwait". Qatar National Library. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  2. Ahmad Ali AlSalhi (2021). "ṢAUT IN BAHRAIN AND KUWAIT: History and Creativity in Concept and Practice" (PDF). Royal Holloway, University of London. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  3. "The Sawt in Kowait". Arab Sounds. 2021. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  4. Jean Lambert (2020). "THE YEMENI SOURCES OF POETRY AND MUSIC IN THE SAWT OF THE GULF: THE ROLE OF THE ARABIAN DIASPORA IN INDIA". HAL (open archive). {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  5. Jean Lambert (2016). "Thinking Historically, Being Present: Kuwait, Summer 2016". University of California, Los Angeles. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  6. Urkevich, Lisa (2008). "Crossing Paths in the Middle East: Cultural Struggles of Jewish-Kuwaiti Musicians in the 20th Century". American Historical Association.
  7. "The Jews of Arabia". BBC News. 13 December 2014. Kuwaiti musicians Daoud Al-Kuwaiti (oud) and his brother Saleh (violin).

Further reading
  • Muhammad Bin Faris Ensemble (2004). Sawt of Bahrein. Institut Du Monde Arabe. ASIN B00025DQEU.
  • Al-Umayri Ensemble (2004). The Sawt in Kuwait. Institut Du Monde Arabe. ASIN B00027X3RI.
  • Rovsing Olsen, Poul (2002). Music in Bahrain. David Brown Book Company. ISBN 87-88415-19-8.
  • Various artists (1995). A Musical Anthology of the Arabian Peninsula, Volume 3 - Sowt, Music from the City. Gallo. ASIN B000004A2E.

See also


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