Since the dawn of history, unique artistic styles have emerged from the nature of the land and the contours of Socotra, forming exquisite Socotran arts and mesmerizing folk chants. These have accompanied the people of Socotra in their journeys and daily lives, reflecting their changing emotions and circumstances, whether sorrow or joy, setbacks or achievements, death or birth, misery or happiness. Over time, the Socotran poetic and prose arts have evolved traditionally without modern updates, critique, or scientific analysis.
The Socotran folk singing arts are categorized into various styles, including:
Ta‘eedhen
This popular singing style is often performed at weddings and circumcision ceremonies. Both men and women sing it while performing their daily tasks such as herding, fishing, farming, or assisting each other in communal activities like building goat pens or preparing farmland for a young groom.
Samhar
Similar to Ta‘eedhen but distinct in some aspects, such as its refrain (“Yaaaw Waaaw Yaaaw”), this style is widely practiced by people of all ages, especially those with melodic voices. Renowned singers were often invited to weddings and social gatherings to captivate the audience with their performances, which sometimes lasted until dawn. Women were particularly active in this art form, gathering groups to sing and entertain, while shepherds would also perform it during their herding activities.
Siseh
This art form, whose name might be derived from the word “politics,” is performed by shepherds while herding their flocks in the mountains and valleys. It features a distinct refrain (“Yaa Yaa Waaadh”) and often includes whistling that harmonizes with the rhythm of the Siseh. Some listeners would secretly hide to enjoy the shepherds’ singing, especially in the late afternoon or moments before sunset. Women, too, were known to excel in this art form.
Socotran Prose and Poetry
The most prevalent literary art in Socotra is prose poetry. Socotran poetic duels could last years, with poets crafting verses (“Yusqob”) and sending them to their opponents via couriers skilled in memorizing, understanding, and conveying their messages.
Al-Qaseed (Poetry Recitation)
This popular singing style is performed in ordinary settings by everyone but reserved for men during formal occasions such as weddings or circumcisions. Each tribe often had its poet, who would compose verses in response to rivals, while others with exceptional voices recited these poems publicly. This style includes a refrain (“Haydon Haydon”), and the verses could be delivered through couriers when necessary.
Tananatna
Known as lullabies, this style is used by women to soothe children to sleep. Its unique refrain (“Wee Yalala, Wee Yalala”) has a calming effect on infants, who fall asleep to the soothing voices of Socotran women.
Evolution and Challenges
For thousands of years, Socotra remained isolated, with poets composing in pure Socotri and drawing inspiration from the land’s history. However, recent decades of gradual openness have introduced Arabic vernacular elements into contemporary poetry and music. Socotran songs have rarely incorporated musical instruments, though some modern experiments have done so. Historically, the only known instrument in Socotra was the reed flute (Karab), used since ancient times.
Despite its richness, Socotran folk art remains understudied, with only sporadic efforts by researchers and writers. Recently, a center for the study of the Socotri language was established to preserve this endangered language. It is hoped that the center will prioritize creating a unit dedicated to researching Socotran folk arts, collaborating with experts to preserve this cultural heritage. Such efforts could promote tourism in the archipelago, share Socotra’s culture with the world, and leave lasting impressions on visitors to the island.