Katara has announced the 4th edition of Al Nahma Musical, “Naham Al Khaleej,” which is to be held from April 26 to 30

The 4th edition of Al Nahma Musical, "Naham Al Khaleej," is set to take place from April 26 to April 30. This information was released by the Cultural Village Foundation - Katara. The rich legacy of maritime music and culture is to be revived through an endeavor known as Al Nahma, or traditional marine singing, in Qatar and the larger Gulf region.

In keeping with Katara's objective of conserving and advancing lost customs, the occasion provides a stage for exhibiting the maritime culture that is strongly ingrained in the history of the nation. Katara offers the public a comprehensive understanding of Qatari heritage through competitions and events such as Al Nahma.

Qatar boasts an abundance of folk music, with a particular emphasis on work songs related to the maritime industry. Of them, chants for pearl diving are especially important because they were used on historical pearling expeditions. Every dhow had a designated singer, called the Naham, whose job it was to entertain and motivate the crew on long journeys by lifting their spirits via singing. 

The Al Nahma Musical event will be held at the Drama Theatre from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Significant prizes await the top performers: first place is worth QR50,000, second place is worth QR40,000, third place is worth QR30,000, fourth place is worth QR10,000, and the Judges Appreciation Award is worth QR10,000.

Two categories make up the competition: Lafjri Art: Adasani/Haddadi/Hassawi/Al Mukhlafi/Al Bahri, and Work Arts: Duwari/Al Yamal/Al Khattab/Al Jib/Al Makhmous. Katara has been at the vanguard of efforts to resuscitate the maritime legacy of Qatar, given the historical significance of pearl diving in the country's economics and culture. Katara continues to honor and maintain Qatar's rich nautical heritage with events including the Traditional Dhow Festival, Senyar Traditional Pearl Diving and Fishing Competition, and El Meyna (Al Mina) Pearl Diving Competition for Children.

Work songs connected to maritime pursuits, particularly pearl hunting, are a treasured part of Qatari folk music culture. Every song describes a different part of a pearling journey, from setting sail to diving and rowing, with its own distinct beat. Leading the group in singing, the Naham plays a vital role in keeping crew members motivated on these journeys, providing comfort and support while they face the difficulties of the ocean.