Glimpse into Kuwaiti Samri art
samri is one of the most beautiful and prominent forms of traditional folk art in the arabian gulf region. it is distinguished by its emotional character and unique group performances. although samri originated in the heart of the arabian peninsula, it has received greater attention in kuwait than in other gulf countries.
the samri art form originated in the najd region among desert communities and neighbouring villages before spreading to other areas through migration and social interaction.
poetry and art critics consider muhsin bin uthman al-hazzani (1732–1824) to be the founder of samri poetry. he was one of the most renowned figures in nabati poetry in the arabian peninsula. al-hazzani ruled al-hariq for a period before retiring. he introduced the two-rhyme metre known as samri and is regarded as an innovator and renovator of folk poetry. among his most famous poems is “al-istighatha” (the plea for help), and he also produced creative works in love poetry.
kuwaiti poets and musicians contributed greatly to establishing the rules, conventions, and guidelines of samri. the term “samri” is derived from “samar” or “musamarah,” meaning the exchange of conversation and singing at night among loved ones and friends. perhaps the tranquillity of desert nights, the boredom of long evenings, or the desire for relaxation in old villages contributed to the emergence of this beautiful art form.
samri subsequently gained widespread popularity, attracting the attention of elders and rulers, many of whom had their poems sung by renowned artists. one such poem, “who will return my beloved who has forsaken me?”, was sung by abdul latif al-kuwaiti.
the poem “twenty-five days of the month have passed without me seeing my beloved,” written by the poet muhammad bin hamad bin la’boun (1790–1831), is considered an example of khamari poetry.
bin la’boun is a favourite poet of walid al-nisf, the editor-in-chief of al-qabas newspaper. his poems are known as “la’bouniyat,” and one of his most famous works is “o paper dove.”
saleh al-aidi, also known as saleh al-wateed, and aisha al-murta are also regarded as among the finest performers of samri. the kuwaiti poet fahad boursli made notable contributions to this art form through his distinguished poems and is considered one of its pioneers.
the poet abdulaziz al-duwaish is known for his beautiful poems, the most famous of which begins, “last night, my eyes knew no sleep.”
kuwait is considered a pioneer in women''s participation in samri performances. the men''s dance associated with samri is known as “zafan.”
