A Blend of Tradition and the Contemporary

Music has always been a part of the rich Lebanese culture and has played a very important role in many religious traditions. The beautiful rhythm of Arabic tunes mixed with peculiar characteristics of gypsy practice of medicine in the country proved to be a capacious blend which resulted to a rich production of intensity that captivates listeners.The characteristic soothing rhythm and wild beats made Lebanese medicine known some the world. Traditional Lebanese music incorporates instruments such as the oud, the derbake and the ney. These instruments are still being incorporated to pop music that the new generation is enjoying today.The traditional music of Lebanon is usually sung in either Lebanese or Egyptian language. Aside from this, musicians, artists, utterers etc, differ on the way they incorporate music to their individual sound. The artists differ in so many ways. Some artists were known to differ in their music because of their Lebanese dialects. Most are distinct becau se of their style, their sound and instruments.Very few Lebanese musicians try to remain loyal to the traditional music which is called Jabali (of the mountains). One of which is Mohammed El Helani more popularly known as Assi Helani, who is a major music get in the Middle East since the 1990s. He is a strong musician and follower of the traditional music like mawall and dabke.Dabke, which is usually presented during important and joyous do such as weddings, family parties and competitions. This is a very energetic music which usually leaves the audience stomping their feet-which is the literal meaning of Dabke.Pop music on the other hand is not a new fancy among the Lebanese audience. The growing influence of the western culture made its way not only on Lebanese every day living but also on its music. Although western pop music is very distinct from Lebanese pop music because it fuses pop melodies and its pop-Arabic roots at the same time. The pop music of Lebanon also focuses on the melodramatic melodies and sad states of mind.Nancy Nabil Ajram is also a popular singer among the Lebanese people. A multi-platinum folk artist, Ajram is considered to be one of the most important superstars ranking 3rd among the best selling female singers of Lebanon. Her style is incorporating the traditional Lebanese music with and infusion of Western culture. Her formula proved to be very potent since most of her followers are the young and old alike of the generation.