Events and
Activities

Traditional music in Bahrain is full of vitality and is very much characterized by off-beat rhythms, echoing the instrumental music of East Africa and the Indian subcontinent. It also strongly reflects the local economies and ways of life on the island before the discovery of oil.

Several music forms flourished among different communities and groups. Although each genre is noticeably distinctive, they are all influenced by one another and each emphasizes voice over rhythm. From percussive poundings of tabl drums, rhythmic clapping and nahhaam in pearl diving music to soulful sawt presentations and festive Leiwa, Ardha, Mradah and Samry performances, the distinction between performers and audience is blurred as everyone in attendance participates by singing, clapping and sometimes dancing.