Hanane Djoua
Doha
Mustafa Said, the celebrated singer, musician, and researcher, views music as an inseparable part of Arab literature, a philosophy that resonates strongly in his pieces.
In an exclusive interview with Qatar Tribune, Mustafa Said reflected on his profound relationship with Arabic music and its role in preserving and modernizing cultural heritage.
As one of the key performers at Al Ghorrah for Literature and Arts, Said’s insights shed light on the intricate connection between tradition and innovation in the Arab world.
A Journey Rooted in Heritage
For Mustafa Said, music has always been a part of his identity. “That was never a choice. I do not know when I started,” he remarked. His grandmother recalled taking him to Al Ahmadi Mosque and School in 1985, but he has no memory of those early days.
Despite this, Said’s connection to Arabic music has evolved into a mission to explore its untapped potential. “We have a lot in our music that we have not discovered,” he said. Over the years, he has dedicated himself to uncovering these hidden treasures and presenting them in a way that speaks to both the past and present.
“Modernity in Arabic music should not depend on importing elements from other musical traditions,” he explained. Instead, he advocates for an internal development that highlights the richness of Arabic modal music. His ultimate goal is to elevate Arab art and civilization to stand on equal footing with other global cultures.
The Soul of Authenticity
Mustafa Said’s performances are deeply rooted in authenticity, which he believes resonates strongly with audiences. “When the audience feels authenticity, they react greatly,” he said. This sense of genuine connection, he noted, is the cornerstone of art’s role in fostering cooperation and equality among civilizations.
His approach aligns seamlessly with the philosophy of Al Ghorrah, an event that seeks to preserve Arab heritage while serving as a path toward modernity. Said’s performances include both modern compositions and meticulously researched pieces based on ancient Arabic music manuscripts. “This is the spirit of the event,” he said, emphasizing the importance of making heritage relevant to contemporary audiences.
Asil Ensemble: A Living Tradition
At the heart of Mustafa Said’s musical journey is the Asil Ensemble, a group dedicated to upholding the tradition of Arabic music through rigorous practice and soulful performances. For Said, music is “a listened art that goes from soul to soul,” and this philosophy is reflected in the ensemble’s commitment to memorization.
“Our performances are never read from sheet music,” he explained. Instead, every note is internalized through countless hours of practice. Each performance is preceded by as many as ten rehearsals to ensure precision and emotional depth.
The ensemble’s current project, Maqam Pilgrims (Zuwwar Al-Maqam), is a monumental endeavor comprising five suites. The first suite has already been performed, with more in the pipeline, alongside plans to record melodies from ancient manuscripts and develop educational curricula.
Reviving the Spirit of Arab Civilization
While Mustafa Said’s work is groundbreaking, he remains humble about its scope. “The way is longer than my life,” he admitted, viewing his contributions as a foundation for future generations. His vision is to reignite the Arab world’s artistic and intellectual legacy, enabling it to reclaim its rightful place in global art, literature, and science.
Said believes that the strength of Arab art lies in its roots. “We want our art, literature, and music to be well introduced inside first,” he said. According to him, a strong internal foundation will naturally lead to recognition abroad. “When our people know themselves and their great civilization, it will naturally be everywhere without our promotion.”
Al Ghorrah: A Celebration of Arab Culture
Mustafa Said’s performances at Al Ghorrah are just one aspect of the festival’s diverse program. The event, which celebrates Arab heritage and its intersection with global cultures, offers a variety of activities for all ages:
Musical Performances: Collaborations with the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra and Sada Al-Ibda ensemble feature unique compositions, including Mustafa Said’s revival of melodies from ancient Arabic manuscripts.
Theatrical Productions: Highlights include One Thousand and One Nights by Dana Al Fardan and The Elephant, O King of Time, starring Jamal Suliman.
Workshops and Competitions: From Arabic calligraphy workshops to poetry recitation and school theatre competitions, these activities engage participants in Arab and Islamic traditions.
Cultural Experiences: The festival features culinary tastings inspired by One Thousand and One Nights, along with tea ceremonies from cultures such as Japan, Turkey, and Morocco.
Quranic Sciences Sessions: Organized in collaboration with Qatar National Library, these sessions provide academic insights into Islamic heritage.
Said encouraged families to attend the event, promising a blend of education and entertainment. “Al Ghorrah is for all ages. Come, and I promise you will add a lot to your knowledge and have fun as well,” he said.
The Legacy of Arabic Music
Mustafa Said’s music draws heavily from Arabic literature and poetry, with many compositions inspired by the classics. He sees music as an integral part of Arab literature, as evidenced by works like Abu Al-Faraj Al-Asfahani’s The Book of Songs.
“Music is the only art that does not have a touched or visual material,” he explained. For him, music transcends the physical realm, existing as “unseen and untouched waves going out of the soul.”
His commitment to this ethereal art form is matched by his hope for greater collaboration among Arab artists. He envisions Al Ghorrah as a platform for building a network of creatives across disciplines, strengthening Arab civilization through shared cultural expressions.
A Modern Voice for an Ancient Heritage
Mustafa Said’s performances at Al Ghorrah offer a rare glimpse into the possibilities of modern Arabic music. His second concert features music from manuscripts never performed before—old yet new to contemporary ears.
Through his work, Mustafa Said embodies the essence of Al Ghorrah: a harmonious blend of past and present, inspiring audiences to rediscover the timeless beauty of Arab culture. As he put it, “I offer them music that is modern and pure authentic Arabic, speaking to their DNA and their living civilization.”
Renowned musician Mustafa Said captivated audiences with his performance at Al Ghorrah for Literature and Arts, an event celebrating the Arab-Islamic heritage through a rich tapestry of cultural and artistic expressions. The event, held at Education City, served as a unique platform for fostering creativity and cultural connection.
Speaking about the initiative, Hend M. Al Thawadi, Engagement & Activation Lead at Qatar Foundation, highlighted its broader mission: “Al Ghorrah is a unique platform for artistic and cultural expression, offering a vibrant space where people can come together to celebrate and connect with the richness of Arab-Islamic heritage. Through this event, we aim to deliver an experience that is diverse, engaging, and enriching, where local communities, art enthusiasts, and families can interact, participate, and engage. Ultimately, Al Ghorrah is designed to inspire, providing a valuable opportunity for connection and creative exploration – and we look forward to welcoming people to Education City to enjoy it with us.”
A central element of Al Ghorrah is its focus on nurturing a culture of arts and literature among young people, particularly within schools. The event includes a competition where schools from across Qatar showcase performances inspired by books, with the top four shortlisted entries participating in the event.
Aisha Al Sultan, Performing Arts Coordinator at Pre-University Education (PUE), Qatar Foundation, expressed the educational value of the event: “PUE’s involvement in Al Ghorrah through the performance of our school choirs is a testament to our commitment to nurturing the arts within education. Initiatives like this not only enrich students’ academic journey, but also ignite their passion for creativity and self-expression. By engaging in the arts, students form a deeper connection to their cultural heritage, discovering the values and stories that shape their identity.”
Mustafa Said’s soulful renditions, steeped in the traditions of Arabic classical music, echoed the event’s emphasis on heritage and creativity. His performance seamlessly intertwined with Al Ghorrah’s mission to inspire through the arts, leaving the audience with a profound appreciation for the beauty and depth of Arab culture. For those wishing to experience this unique blend of tradition and innovation, tickets can be purchased through the link https://educationcity.qa/al-ghorrah/buy-ticketsensuring an unforgettable journey into the heart of Arabic artistic heritage.
