Muscat – Muscat Nights Festival continues to serve as a vibrant platform for celebrating Omani culture, offering visitors a glimpse into the sultanate’s rich heritage. Among the standout performers this year is the Sawahil Folk Arts Band. Its performances at Naseem Park are captivating audiences, highlighting the cultural diversity and depth of Omani traditions. The […]
Muscat – Muscat Nights Festival continues to serve as a vibrant platform for celebrating Omani culture, offering visitors a glimpse into the sultanate’s rich heritage. Among the standout performers this year is the Sawahil Folk Arts Band. Its performances at Naseem Park are captivating audiences, highlighting the cultural diversity and depth of Omani traditions.
The band comprises 25 members from various places, including Muscat, North Batinah and South Sharqiyah. Band leader Dawood al Muaini said, “Our diversity enables us to present various traditions that attract visitors from all parts of the sultanate.”
The group performs a range of traditional dance forms, including Razha, Al Bara’a, Al Madar and Al Wana, each deeply rooted in Oman’s cultural identity.
Al Razha, one of the oldest traditional dances in Oman, holds a special place in the nation’s history. Known for symbolising strength and unity, it involves rhythmic movements accompanied by drums and poetry.
Al Bara’a is particularly popular in Dhofar and the eastern coastal areas like Sur and Jalan Bani Bu Ali. It typically features one or two dancers performing to the rhythm of drums and wind instruments.
Another significant performance is the Al Azi, a poetry recitation combined with music, often celebrating moral values, national pride and the Sultan’s leadership. “Al Azi showcases our rich poetic tradition and honours our heritage,” Muaini explained.
Synchronised dance steps by members standing in two parallel rows are characteristic of the band’s performances. Dressed in traditional attire, they play drums such as Al Kaser, Al Rahmani and Al Daf, complementing the beats with vocals to create a mesmerising experience.
Forming Sawahil Folk Arts Band came with challenges. Muaini recalled starting with just five friends practising on beaches and in parks, often struggling for financial support. “With determination and support from our families, we overcame these hurdles,” he said. The band’s dedication is evident in its rigorous practice sessions, with rehearsals beginning three days before major events to ensure flawless performances.
The troupe has earned recognition both locally and internationally, performing at events such as Salalah Tourism Festival and events in Dubai and Kuwait. Looking ahead, Muaini is hopeful of expanding the band’s reach. “We aim to participate in more local and international festivals and eventually establish branches in other governorates to spread the beauty of our authentic folklore,” he said.
The band’s passion for preserving Oman’s cultural heritage ensures that traditional art forms remain a vital part of the nation’s identity, captivating audiences and promoting the rich legacy of Omani folklore.
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