Posted by Hossam on March 28, 2003 at 04:12:24:
In Reply to: Gulf Rhythms posted by Kiya on March 28, 2003 at 02:41:35:
Dear Kiya,
Thank you for asking about the rhythms from the Gulf.
I would like to start by saying that there is no such a thing as a "Khalidji" rhythm. It would be like saying the "Brasilian" rhythm or the "Australian" rhythm. The word "Khaidji" means something that is from "AL Khalidje", the Arabian Gulf.
The rhythms in that area which includes Kuwait, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Dubay, Abu Dhaby, Bahrain, Quatar, Oman, and the Emirates are all called Khalidji rhythms, and there are hundreds of them.
Most of the rhythms in this area have a few strong influences to them. Mainly from the Arabian
desert tribes, also from the Indian silk and spice routes as well as from the central African Slave trade who brought various rhythms with it.
The one you have been probably dancing to is mostly the Adany but in a slower version.
Adany is a 2/4 rhythm as you can hear on the song "Gany Lasmar" on the "Egyptian Rai" CD EUCD1132. There are many a varied versions of it that change from city to city and from country to country. The Sameri is a very Sudi Arabian, Bedouine Tribal rhythm in 6/4 or 6/8. The speed of which also varies from tribe to tribe and also according to the emotion of the song itself.
Hope this has answered your question.
With Lots Of Rhythm
Hossam