Trends in Arabic Music - Essay Example

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Music The Arabic music that is now heard is known for the rich styles, evolution of popular trends and different implications within the entertainment industry. Recently, the popular music has expanded into international reaches that are able to present the ideologies of the culture. This moves into the folkloric elements, which use specific instrumentation and rhythms which are known throughout Arabia. These musical productions are combined with the newer elements of technology, specifically with the ability to present the music through performances, television and other multimedia images. Combining these factors has allowed the trends in Arabic music to expand and to move into the popular ideologies that reflect the culture while allowing the music to be one which is equal to the popular concepts that are now used within society (Aziz, 1). There are several divisions with the popular Arabic music which continue to set trends throughout the region. The first is known as Rai, which is the most accepted type of music in the world today, specifically because it associates with the folk type instruments and rhythms while combining with the technology of today. . This is combined with the Sudanese and Nubian rhythms that are within the society, both which consist of fast paced rhythms, polyphonic accents and movements in the music that are specific to the Arabic culture. The rise of Arabic popular music; however, was led by the Egyptian style music through pop stars such as Amr Diab. This has created a hybrid of the Rai and specific rhythms while combining the tribal sounds with the up to date electronics known to many as the new world music (Werner, 1). Creating a Musical Style The overall trends in popular music have also led to specific styles which are now identified as Arabic in nature. This consists of both images and sounds which are used among Arabic music and which distinguish the various features of those that are listening to the music. The first part of this is based on combining the current situations with the ideologies of musical style within the region. The strong commitment to religion, secular beliefs with love and fulfillment in life and leisure activities is the main themes which are presented among those interested in the popular music. This is combined with the ideologies of art, leisure and entertainment as reflecting the ideas of society specifically with making statements about the beliefs and conditions which are in the region. The musical style is then able to create a hybrid component with the folkloric elements that drive the rhythm and sound while creating a style that is reflective of the themes of religion and relationships within the Arabic world (Neiuwkerk, 169). Another component which is now reflected in the musical style is coming from the ideal of moving into globalization. Many of the musical styles are now reflecting the elements of hybrid forms of art and transcultural realities. There are several popular trends which are showing this with the musical styles that are present within society. For instance, reality TV is creating a sense of critical transculturalism, which is based on political, economic and cultural changes of the time. Politically and economically, the Arabic world has changed into one which is intertwined with the associations of the Western world and ...Download file to see next pagesRead More