‘We hide more, show less’ – Art binds Kuwaitis
i received a cd of songs enclosed in an elegant envelope, a gift from the al rai media group, with the following wonderful text: “the music was and is the companion of the kuwaitis during their sea voyages and travels; when they sat together after a hard day’s work. they enjoyed the drumbeats and music on stringed instruments, wind beating their semi-bare bodies, hands clasped and hearts filled with happiness.
the cd contains old kuwaiti songs which have filled the hearts of generations with happiness. some young talented kuwaitis have developed them without changing the essence. they have kept kuwait’s heritage intact through the new blend of music as broadcast by the al rai tv channel. if we look at the social structure of the kuwaitis, we find them sometimes contradictory and at other times homogenous.
historically, in the strict sense of the word, i believe the major factor that has kept the kuwaitis bonded together was art with all openness, fun and longing for a sweet life, and a yearning for the beloved homeland. the ‘naham’, or the singer during the sea voyage or pearl diving expedition, was the expression of the soul, love for the homeland during the arduous long journey either in search of a business deal or a looking for precious pearls in the depths of the gulf waters.
music and sentimental songs called ‘the bl
