Accra:The Music Affairs Center at the Ministry of Culture has unveiled the "Little Naham" team, aimed at preserving Qatar's traditional musical heritage and passing it on to younger generations.
According to Qatar News Agency, the initiative brings together nahma, the traditional maritime rhythms and movements used by sailors, offering a hands-on approach for children to learn through training and practice.
The team consists of ten children who have undergone extensive training in various traditional maritime arts. Of these, two are being trained to perform as young nahams, or traditional lead sea singers. The program extends beyond singing to include rhythm, movement, and an understanding of the different tasks once carried out aboard pearl-diving vessels, which are integral to Qatar's maritime heritage.
The "Little Naham" initiative was developed by Naham Ali Al Haddad, a Music Affairs Center member and the team‚¬„¢s trainer. Al Haddad aims to introduce this tradition to a new generation by connecting what children learn with the historical context in which the art form developed.
Training began several months ago, with sessions held at various locations, including Bait Al Sulaiti. Initially, the children learned nahma, maritime rhythms, and traditional movements associated with life at sea, before advancing to practical field training.
Al Haddad emphasized the importance of taking the children aboard a traditional dhow in open waters, placing them in the environment where these arts originated. This approach allows them to understand the relationship between the naham's voice, rhythm, movement, and the work sailors once performed.
The program covers several maritime arts, including Al Yamal, Al Khatfa, Al Souriyat or Al Natari, and Al Hasawi, providing children with a broad understanding of maritime arts and their historical context.
Specialists contribute to the training, with Al Haddad overseeing nahma and vocal performance, Naif Al Mohannadi training rhythms and maritime arts, and Ahmed Barzah focusing on movements. This collective expertise ensures an integrated teaching approach.
After a month of training, "Little Naham" made its first public appearance at the "Memory of Melody" concert, showcasing their progress and understanding of Qatar's musical heritage.
Al Haddad noted that the program emphasizes learning through practice, as children apply their knowledge in authentic settings before performing publicly. This approach offers insights into Qatar's social history, particularly its maritime traditions.
The next phase will see "Little Naham" preparing for a dedicated performance, continuing to preserve and promote Qatar's musical heritage through the voices of a new generation.
