Memory of Emirati Song returns to Al Jahili Fort

AL AIN, 12th March, 2018 (WAM) -- As part of Al Ain’s programme of cultural events and activities, the Memory of the Emirati Song series will return for its fifth edition on Friday 16th March 2018, with performances by Emirati singer Oraib Hamdan. Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, Memory of the Emirati Song explores the traditional songs and poems that are deeply connected to the history and heritage of the Emirate. The musical evenings will include melodies and compositions dating back as far as the 1950s and 1970s, including traditional songs that originated as embellishments to life’s old practices and customs such as Al Khtfah and Al Nahma that were associated with fishing and pearl diving, Al Wannah and Al Taghrooda of the desert life, as well as Al Ayyalah, which marked significant events like weddings and celebrations. During that period, the UAE witnessed the rise of many distinctive talented voices that produced songs and poems that uphold a significant influence on society today. Traditional songs and poems are vital to the community as they play a socio-cultural role in shaping the collective memory of successive generations of the UAE. Often written by leaders, the songs and poems serve as a document that express their wisdom and experience, embodying the nation’s architectural, economic and educational renaissance. The Emirati folk songs originated in the 1950’s from three poetic pillars – poetry, melody and voice. The Al Ain cultural programme has been curated to highlight as the cultural heartland of the nation and the home to the UAE’s only UNESCO World Heritage site. One of the world’s oldest permanently inhabited settlements, Al Ain is also known as the Oasis City, and one of the few places in the Emirates that preserves and promotes historic sites as well as celebrates the UAE’s intangible heritage, whose spirit is alive and very much still felt today across the city. With activities across Al Ain Oasis, Al Jahili Fort, Qasr Al Muwaiji, Al Ain Palace Museum, Al Ain National Museum, Al Qattara Arts Centre, Souq Al Qattara, as well as around the city, the programme extends across educational and recreational activities beginning this month and running until May 2018.