"Al-Mass" Revived the Memory of Folk Art... at "Cultural Summer 18"
Amidst the sounds of “Sawhli,” “Ashoori,” and other forms of Kuwaiti arts, the Al-Mas troupe hosted a popular folk arts evening at The Avenues Mall, as part of the eighteenth edition of the “Summer Cultural Festival,” organized by the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters from August 5 to 30.
The evening took place in a celebratory atmosphere that evoked a significant aspect of Kuwait’s artistic and folk memory. The troupe presented a collection of musical styles and rhythms associated with traditional Kuwaiti society, embodying the maritime and social life that formed an integral part of the Kuwaiti identity. The Avenues Mall transformed into a vibrant space filled with joy and movement, where the voices of folk songs echoed and folk dances swayed to their melodies.
The troupe opened its performance with the “Ashoori” art form, delivering the piece “Salam Yalli Hima Al-Dar, Sheikh Hukm Fi Zaman,” before transitioning to the “Sout” art form, accompanied by “Zafn,” clapping, and audience interaction, in an atmosphere that revived the aesthetics of traditional Kuwaiti gatherings and evenings.
The program continued with several folk art forms, including “Al-Basta” through the song “Ya Nawakhidh,” and “Sawhli” via the song “Ah Ya Al-Asmar Ya Zeen,” along with the song “Ya Maniyati,” as well as several musical songs enjoyed by the audience, such as “Wa’if ‘ala Babikum” and “Ghazil Faleh.”
As the excitement intensified, the troupe performed a series of songs, including “Allah Akbar Ya Hamam,” followed by “Sabbooha,” before continuing with fast-paced rhythms in the song “Qulu Bismillah,” amidst growing audience engagement.
The Al-Mas troupe concluded its participation with the “Qadiri” art form, presenting several chapters of this traditional art, such as “Allah Ya Da’im” and “Min ‘Adan Sarina Al-Yaman,” in an enthusiastic atmosphere met with applause and participation from the audience.
On the sidelines of the event, Fahad Al-Mas, head of the Al-Mas Folk Arts Troupe, expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters for its continuous support of Kuwaiti troupes and its consistent commitment to highlighting folk and traditional arts, enhancing their presence at various cultural events and occasions.
Al-Mas noted that preserving folk heritage is a shared responsibility requiring collective efforts, especially in light of the changes the world is witnessing. He emphasized the importance of introducing new generations to the arts of their fathers and ancestors, strengthening their connection to this legacy, which represents a crucial part of Kuwait’s cultural identity.
He added that the troupe’s participation in cultural events helps keep folk arts visible to the public and provides young people with the opportunity to learn about the chants, rhythms, and arts associated with Kuwaiti societal memory, stressing that passing this heritage to future generations is the true guarantee of its continuity and prevention of its disappearance.
