‘Little Naham’ revives Qatar’s maritime musical heritage for a new generation

The Music Affairs Center within Qatar’s Ministry of Culture is spearheading an initiative called “Little Naham,” aimed at preserving and transmitting the nation’s traditional musical heritage to younger generations. This training program introduces children to the maritime arts that were once integral to pearl diving and life aboard historic sailing vessels.

The “Little Naham” team comprises ten young participants who have undergone comprehensive training in various maritime arts. Among them are two individuals being groomed as young nahams, or traditional lead sea singers. The initiative goes beyond mere vocal performance, encompassing the teaching of rhythm, movement, and the customs associated with pearl-diving voyages.

Developed by Naham Ali al-Haddad, a member of the Music Affairs Center and the program’s trainer, the initiative seeks to connect children with the natural environment where nahma and other maritime arts took root, rather than merely presenting them as relics of the past. Training commenced several months ago at multiple venues, including specialized halls and Bait Al Sulaiti, which is linked to the Music Affairs Center.

Following their instruction in nahma, rhythms, and traditional movements, the children advanced to practical field training aboard a genuine dhow. This practical component, as noted by al-Haddad, is pivotal to the educational journey, allowing the youngsters to experience the very setting where these traditions originated. The field sessions also assist them in grasping the interplay between the naham’s singing, collective rhythms, movements, and the actual work carried out by sailors.

The programme encompasses a wide array of maritime arts, with training imparted by experts in different facets of the tradition. Moreover, the initiative is a part of a broader endeavor to safeguard Qatar’s maritime cultural legacy by integrating knowledge, hands-on experience, and performance. The team is also gearing up for an upcoming performance where the children will showcase a curated selection of the maritime arts they have mastered, integrating singing, rhythm, and traditional movement.