Preserving the Kingdom’s Musical Heritage: The Saudi Music Memory Initiative
In a recent report by the Saudi Press Agency, the Music Commission held an open meeting to discuss the Saudi Music Memory initiative, bringing together music enthusiasts and industry professionals. The goal? To involve them in the preservation of the Kingdom’s rich musical heritage.
Documenting Saudi Music through the Decades
The initiative focuses on documenting music and lyrics created by Saudi artists up to the mid-1980s, with the aim of preserving and archiving these works and showcasing the evolution of the Saudi music scene.
Achievements and Future Plans
The meeting highlighted the achievements of the Saudi Music Memory initiative, including securing rights for over 5,000 works and documenting 305 musical notations. Two musical notation books have been produced, with the first, “From the Memory of National Songs,” already released. The second book, “From the Memory of Ramadan Songs,” is set to be published before Ramadan 2025.
Engaging with Renowned Artists
The meeting featured interviews with iconic artists such as Mohammed Abdu, Abadi Al-Johar, and Jamil Mahmoud, who shared stories about the origins of Saudi music and the contributions of its pioneers.
Scientific Methodology and Future Plans
The commission adheres to a scientific methodology, ensuring honesty and neutrality in all aspects of the initiative. The next stages include transcribing musical works, creating documentary content, and reproducing and distributing significant musical works. Once completed, the final step will be building an integrated platform.
Creating a Reliable Reference for Saudi Art
The Saudi Music Memory initiative aims to document the history of Saudi art, providing a reliable reference for researchers, musicians, and interested parties. It also seeks to showcase high-value musical works that have not received adequate media attention, highlighting the regional influence of Saudi music.