As part of the cultural program at the Jeddah Book Fair 2024, the arts panel "Music, Stylistically" hosted world-renowned musician Naseer Shamma, who shared unique insights into the relationship between environment and music, and the importance of nurturing the senses to appreciate the arts.

Environment as a source of musical inspiration

Shamma discussed how climate and geography shape musical identity, explaining that coastal music tends to have light, flowing rhythms, compared to mountain music, which reflects the weight of rugged terrain and the difficulty of movement. He noted that a community's architecture and economic culture add rich layers of expression that shape its musical heritage.

Music and the cycle of life

Shamma affirmed that music, like the cycle of life, needs to grow and mature to remain capable of impact and renewal. He noted that all the senses carry a memory that requires special care to remain capable of deep appreciation and feeling.

A Saudi oud project and new artistic schools

Discussing the development of Arabic music, Naseer Shamma revealed his project to produce the first oud fully manufactured in the Kingdom. He also spoke of his interest in establishing specialized music schools aimed at training professional oud musicians, helping enrich the Saudi artistic scene and strengthen traditional music's presence on the global stage.

Jeddah Book Fair: a platform for culture and art

The "Music, Stylistically" panel is part of the Jeddah Book Fair's cultural program, which brings together leading intellectuals and artists to enrich cultural and artistic dialogue and highlight the Kingdom's role as a global platform for the exchange of ideas and creativity.