Radio MAQAM® with Bashar Barazi - Arabic radio bringing you the music of the Middle East, North Africa, and the Mediterranean every week on public radio. راديو مقام راديو الموسيقة العربية في
امريكا و حول العالم

The many regions of the Arab World have developed their own styles of music.  Similar to the diverse regional musical traditions in the United States such as creole, blue grass, and old time music, Arabic Music also has many such traditions.  Today we explore the musical traditions of the Gulf area which includes the states of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.  Khaleeji music is characterized by a repeating melodic line with little rhythmic shifts.  The main instruments in Khaleeji music are tablas, tambourines, and small drums native to the region called takhamir.  The highly syncopated relentless rhythms, and the insistent drum beats are what gives Khaleeji music its unique, almost hypnotic, sound.  Featuring songs by Abdallah Rashad, Ahlam Al Shamsi, Khalid Abdul Rahman, Nabil Shuail, and more.