Souq Waqif is a place that epitomises both local Qatari culture and Arab traditions. Together they continue to attract visitors in large numbers as the authorities keep adding new attractions and facilities for the public.
It is that time of the year when residents and tourists can freely enjoy classical Arab music presented by noted singers at the spacious areas of the Souq during the pleasant evenings. As part of the ongoing Spring Festival, the classical music is arranged by Al Rayyan Radio for the public with no charges.
The musical performances are arranged every evening with a group of musicians led by a lead singer from different Arab countries present various romantic, traditional and folk songs to entertain the audience that comprise different countries and backgrounds.
A visit to the area where the tents have been set up for the singers show that all and sundry visit the place and listen to the classical singers coupled with melodious sounds of oud and other instruments.
The third edition of the Spring Festival opened at Souq Waqif in Doha and Souq Al Wakrah last Saturday. The event is organised by the Organising Committee of the Private Engineering Office in order to draw local and international tourists and give them an opportunity to enjoy various art forms.
According to the organisers, around 60 games and rides are also open at the two Souqs. Circus shows are also being staged. A circus show from Russia is also a major attraction for the visitors as they get a chance to see wild animals.
Souq Waqif Arts Centre is also hosting various art related programmes including workshops. Popular teams from across the world including various Arab countries will give folk art presentations. The Souqs will also host poetry gatherings.
Abdulla Ali al-Jaber is unit head of Social Media at Al Rayyan Radio. While talking to Community, Abdulla explained how he along with his team has been organising the classical music performances for many years.
He said: “The radio is based in Souq Waqif and we do all our activities in the Souq. We are also a part of the Spring Festival. The radio organises the musical events. We usually hold two kinds of music events. One includes less known singer and the other features internationally popular classical singers from other Arab countries.”
The organisers further said: “For this year’s Spring Festival, our performance started with a group of Yemeni singers who sang Yemeni folkloric songs using their traditional drums. The Yemeni group is going to stay for the background music till the end of the programmes. Two singers from neighbouring Kuwait and a Qatari singer have already performed and one more Qatari singer will perform here.”
Abdulla added: “For the major singers, we have chalked out six performances inviting well-known singers from different Arab countries. The famous singers coming for the performances include Khalid al-Mulla from Kuwait, Mansour al-Mohandi from Qatar, famous for pearl diving songs, Abdul Aziz from Kuwait, and we have also started inviting Nasser al-Kubaisi, younger brother of Fahad al-Kubaisi, Qatari singer of international fame. These singers will perform inside a hotel in Msheireb. In the past, we had invited very well-known singers from Lebanon, Morocco, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait and other neighbouring countires.”
The organiser further said: “The management of Souq Waqif has been organising the spring festivals and other activities to promote tourism and encourage residents to visit the Souq. The concerned authorities have given the responsibility of oganising the music events to Al Rayyan Radio and other parts of the festival are done by the engineering people. The festivals have so far been successful in attracting international tourists and local residents to Souq Waqif as it is organised during the spring school holidays.”
VARIETY: The musical performances are arranged every evening with a group of musicians led by a top singer from different Arab countries.
