Sharjah24: These are sounds that come to you from the past, yet they remain alive, as if born today, knocking on the doors of memories, taking you back to the time of our ancestors.
Journey through time
They place you first on a boat sailing deep into the sea, leaving behind memories of the beloved and the longing of the hearts, or in the far deserts, where golden sands and tents are still pitched in the depths of the local human conscience.
The Emirati "Noban" troupe
All these images crowd your mind as you watch the graceful movements performed by the Emirati "Noban" troupe, led by Taher Ismail, during the Sharjah Heritage Days.
Traditional instruments
The troupe's voices blend with the rhythmic sounds of traditional instruments like the Ras, Wassat, and Shimboh, followed by the Manjour, made from goat hooves, worn by one of the troupe members in the shape of a skirt, creating a distinctive tone with its synchronized, vibrating movement.
Stories through song
Songs like "Jabruni 'Ala Allah, Ya Nas, Ma Rahamuni," "Ya Mahboub Saffer Al-Mawja," "Shasha Nuba Sira Bilayl," and "Ey Wallah Nuba Sira Bilayl" are part of the repertoire of the Emirati folk group. These songs collectively tell stories of love, longing, nostalgia, self-confidence, reliance on God, overcoming difficulties, and holding on to hope—traits that defined the traditional Emirati spirit and continue to connect generations with their beautiful past.
Rhythmic movements
The rhythmic movements that imitate the actions of sailors or Nawakhitha in the local Emirati dialect were among the most distinctive features of the troupe's dances.
A Visual feast
The men's and women's traditional costumes added an extra sparkle to the performance, making the visitors of Sharjah Heritage Days feel as though these artists were mimicking the waves, discovering their secrets, and writing their memories on the sails of ships, leaving lasting marks on a grand history and unique heritage.
From a distance, the rhythm of the drum draws you in, echoing through the grounds of the Sharjah Heritage Days event. Its vibrant sound resonates with the audience, and then the flute makes its entrance, adding its artistic touch reminiscent of famous Egyptian artworks.
A journey to rural Egypt
This performance transports you to the depths of rural areas and deserts, immersing you in their details, characters, culture, and unique Egyptian folk artistry.
The "Layali Mahzouz" troupe
The traditional, loose-fitting costumes, still popular today in Upper Egypt, distinguish the attire of the "Layali Mahzouz" troupe, led by Saber Al-Banna. This troupe is made up of a group bound by their love for heritage, with members of varying ages, as if the work itself is a craft that those who engage with it aim to keep alive, bridging generations with its artistic legacy and cultural identity.
Captivating performances
The diverse segments captivated the audience, who surrounded the performance stage of the Egyptian troupe, which skillfully presented its acts with movements visible from all angles, removing the need to stand directly opposite.
The traditional "Horse" performance
One of the most impactful segments was the traditional "horse" performance, where two troupe members take on the role, leaving the audience, particularly the visiting children, excited to chase after the horse at the end of the act to uncover the mystery behind the famous costume.
Echoes of ancient celebrations
Other segments brought the visitors of Sharjah Heritage Days back to the atmosphere of ancient Egyptian folk celebrations. Among them was the "Tanoura" dance, which imitates the spinning of the dervishes, known locally as "Moulawi," a popular dance during religious festivals, particularly at the time of the moulids.
Skillful artistry
This dance requires extraordinary skill in balance and stability while executing the spiraling movements of the "Tanoura."
A celebration of strength and joy
To complete the folk art scene, two more segments were presented: the "Cane Dance," symbolizing strength and resilience, reflecting the traditional Egyptian alleyways, and the "Wedding Procession" accompanied by the drum and flute, or "Zammar" as it is known in Egyptian dialect.
Unforgettable experience
A collection of traditional songs was sung during this segment, spreading joy and happiness, contributing to a doubled pleasure for visitors and leaving them with an unforgettable experience.
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