Summary

Maluf music is a genre of music that originated in the region of North Africa around Libya, Tunisia & Algeria. It is characterized by its complex rhythms and melodies, as well as its use of traditional instruments such as the oud, the darbouka, and the bendir. Maluf music can be traced back to the Ottoman Empire when it was introduced to Algeria by Turkish musicians

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HistoryMa’lûf, an Arabic term meaning “familiar” or “customary,” is used in Tunisia to describe the native Arab-Andalusian musical tradition. Similar to the musical forms found in Morocco, Algeria, and Libya, ma’lûf originated within the Islamic courts and urban centers of medieval Iberia, known as Al-Andalus. This music reflects the cultural migrations of Muslim and Jewish communities to North Africa following the Christian reconquest of Spain. Ma’lûf is structured around the Nuba form, a classical Andalusian composition style. Initially, there were 24 nubat, each lasting about an hour, representing each hour of the day. Over time, however, the number of nubat in the tradition has decreased.
Ma’lûf can be performed in two traditional styles. The first, known as ma’lûf kham (or “unrefined” ma’lûf), features a male chorus singing in unison, accompanied only by percussion. Common percussion instruments include hand clapping, the darbuka, naqqarat, tar, and bendir. The second traditional style involves small instrumental ensembles typically, though not exclusively, composed of the rabab, oud, naqqarat, tar, nay, qanun, and sometimes even the piano. These ensembles usually include vocal performances followed by instrumental arrangements.
The origins of ma’lûf trace back to Ziryab, a musician from Baghdad who was exiled in 830. Traveling westward, he first arrived in Kairouan, an influential Muslim city and capital of the Aghlabite dynasty in North Africa. Ziryab continued to Córdoba, a cultural hub where he integrated Middle Eastern, Maghrebi, and Andalusian influences to create a distinct Andalusian musical style.
In the early 13th century, Muslims fleeing Christian persecution in Spain and Portugal settled in North African cities, including Tunis, and brought their music with them. Tunisian ma’lûf, along with its close Libyan counterpart, later absorbed influences from Ottoman music. This influence reached its height in the mid-18th century under the rule of Muhammad al-Rashid, the Bey of Tunis, who introduced Turkish-style compositions and formalized the structure of the Nuba. While much has changed since al-Rashid’s time, his contributions remain foundational to today’s nubat compositions.
With the decline of the Ottoman Empire, Tunisia became a French protectorate, leading to a revival of the diminishing ma’lûf tradition. Baron Rodolphe d’Erlanger, a Bavarian who became a French national and resided near Tunis, commissioned a collection of historic compositions with the assistance of Ali al-Darwish of Aleppo. Their work culminated in the 1932 International Congress of Arabic Music, which significantly raised global awareness of Arab music. Shortly after the congress, Baron d’Erlanger passed away, but his efforts had already spurred the founding of the Rachidia Institute in 1934. Dedicated to preserving ma’lûf, the institute revised certain lyrics considered profane and established two performance venues in the historic heart of Tunis.
The Rachidia Institute helped transition ma’lûf performances from small traditional ensembles to orchestral arrangements inspired by Western classical and Egyptian music traditions. The most influential of these new ensembles, the Rashidiyya group, was led by violinist Muhammad Triki. This group incorporated a large choir along with instruments like the cello, violin, qanun, contrabass, nay, and oud, following established guidelines of Arab melodic theory. Thirteen surviving nubat were solidified during this period, drawing from a wide range of traditional styles. Western musical notation was introduced, leading to a decline in improvisation as recorded music became more prominent. These developments helped ma’lûf gain recognition as a classical art form, though they also drew some criticism from traditionalists.
Elements 

Maluf music from Algeria is renowned for its intricate rhythmic patterns, often featuring compound meters such as 10/8 or 6/8, giving it a distinctive syncopated feel. Its melodies are richly ornamented, woven with microtonal nuances that reflect Arab-Andalusian influences. The beats are accentuated by percussive elements like the darbuka and bendir, providing a dynamic backdrop to the melodic instruments, such as the oud and violin. These elements collectively shape the captivating, emotionally charged, and deeply evocative nature of Maluf music.

Maluf music from Algeria bears the profound influence of Arab-Andalusian culture. This rich heritage, marked by centuries of Islamic, Berber, and Spanish influences, has sculpted the music's intricate melodies and poetic lyrics. Maluf embodies the unique fusion of these cultural threads, creating a deeply resonant and authentic Algerian musical tradition.

The singing style in Maluf music is very expressive. The singers often use a lot of vibrato, and they often sing with a very emotional quality. The mood of Maluf music is often very happy and festive. However, it can also be quite emotional, and it can be used to express a wide range of emotions.

Maluf music often explore instruments such as the oud, the derbouka, and the bendir. The oud is a stringed instrument that is similar to a lute. The derbouka is a drum that is played with the hands. The bendir is a frame drum that is played with the fingers.

Maluf music from Algeria, rooted in Arab-Andalusian traditions, frequently delves into themes of love, longing, and historical narratives. It encapsulates the essence of Algerian identity, blending intricate melodies with poignant lyrics that reflect the country's diverse cultural heritage and its deep connection to its past and heritage.

The timbre in Maluf music from Algeria is characterized by the ethereal blend of traditional North African instruments like the oud and qanun with Western influences from the Spanish guitar. This fusion creates a mellifluous and evocative sonic palette, giving Maluf its distinctive, enchanting sound that resonates with cultural richness.