Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Turki Al-Sheikh, chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) announced that an agreement has been concluded with Rotana Group to launch a program dedicated to explaining the musical rhythms of the Arabian Peninsula, with the objective of documenting them for future generations.

The Rotana Company is working out a program aimed to record more than 300 musical rhythms from the Arabian Peninsula, with special emphasis on preserving the rarest among them. Its overall goal is to prevent their disappearance and apprise future generations of their artistic importance within the region’s cultural heritage.

The renowned Arab music specialist and television host Mohamed Basfar is regarded as one of the most prominent specialists in the music of the Arabian Peninsula and its various rhythms.

While a child brought up in the city of Taif, Basfar embraced music from a young age and went on to become a key member of revered artist Mohammed Abdo’s musical band. He subsequently dedicated 25 years to full-time artistic practice, using his abilities to make numerous compositions across different musical genres in a career spanning four different artistic generations.

The GEA’s newest cooperation with Rotana represents the latest effort to bolster Saudi art, highlight its prominence, and promulgate its spirit among future generations.