Music

You may be wondering what contributes to the glorious orchestra of sound in Arabic music that washes away the dust of everyday life. The ‘ney’, an ancient instrument akin to today’s flute, and the traditional lute or ‘oud’, a pluck string instrument with a neck and a deep round back, giving out a rich, deep sound, are both commonly used in Arabic music. Lebanese music legends, the Rahbani Brothers, love using it in their songs’ compositions. The third and fourth instruments that give Lebanese music its livelihood and energy are the ‘derbakeh’ and tambourine; they create a feeling of competitiveness on the dance floor for the one with the best and fastest moves.
 

Lebanese music has become so widespread that it now ranks as a symbol of Arabic music in the region, offering its own distinctive melody and beat. Legendary Lebanese singers such as Fairuz, Majida El Roumi, George Wassouf, Wadih El Safi, and Melhem Barakat have put Arabic music in the history annals. The new generation of best-selling and award-winning singers, including Elissa, Nancy Ajram and Wael Kfoury, has stolen many hearts, becoming household names in many countries around the world.
 

When it comes to oriental music on the dance floor, Said Mrad takes the lead, with his popular techno remixes of traditional Arabic songs. Fans of Lebanese rap and hip-hop can check out the works of bands such as Ashekman and Rayess Bek. For some easy listening, you can relax to the tunes of Youmna Saba, and for some alternative Lebanese music, make sure to grab the latest album by Mashrou’ Leila.
 

If a more traditional style of music and poetry is what you seek, the Lebanese “Zajal” is a must. Most restaurants will throw Zajal “battles” where a group of men armed with tambourines will battle each other with poetry sung in a distinctive style. Zajal is loved by many Lebanese, and is considered an important part of Lebanese tradition. For Lebanon’s best in Zajal, check out Talee’ Hamdan, who put Lebanon on the map with his talent and wit!
 

When driving in a car, the ideal radio stations to listen to include Melody FM (99.9), Radio Delta (101.6) and Sawt Al Ghad (96.7) for Arabic music, Radio One (105.5), Mix FM (104.4), Light FM (90.5) and NRJ (99) for pop, rock, alternative, and trance, and Nostalgie (88.0) for old English and French songs.