Nahma: The Sea Songs That Guided Gulf Pearl Divers

Before modern navigation and engine-powered boats, the waters of the Arabian Gulf echoed with a sound that was as essential as wind and sail: the rhythmic voices of pearl divers and sailors singing the nahma. This traditional genre of sea music once guided every phase of a dhow journey, from raising anchor to hauling in the day's catch of oyster shells. Today, it survives as a cherished link to the region's maritime past, performed at cultural festivals and heritage events across the Gulf.

A Voice for the Voyage

Nahma (also spelled nahmah) refers to the songs and chants performed by crews aboard wooden dhows, particularly during the pearling season that once defined the Gulf economy. At the centre was the nahham, a lead singer with a powerful voice who could sustain long verses without instruments. He was often the most respected member of the crew after the captain, responsible for morale and coordination. The nahham did not use instruments; his voice was the sole melody, sometimes accompanied by a small hand drum or the clapping of hands. This vocal art demanded exceptional stamina, as performances could last for hours during long stretches at sea. The nahham would sing about love, longing for home, the beauty of the sea, and the hardships of the dive, while the rest of the crew responded with a repeated chorus, clapping or beating simple drums.

Rhythm of the Ropes

The structure of nahma was dictated by the work itself. Different songs accompanied different tasks: hauling the heavy anchor required a slow, strong beat; raising the sail needed a quicker rhythm; and the long night watches called for softer, more melodic tunes to keep sailors awake and calm. During the actual diving, when men were underwater gathering pearl oysters, the nahham and remaining crew would sing on deck, the sound travelling through the water and reassuring the divers below. The lyrics were often improvised, drawing on traditional poetry and the shared experiences of the voyage, making each performance unique.

Keeping the Tradition Alive

With the decline of the natural pearl industry in the mid-20th century, the nahma nearly disappeared. However, cultural revival efforts in the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, and other Gulf states have brought it back to public attention. Many of the old nahma melodies have been documented by cultural organisations, ensuring they are not lost. Young Emiratis and expatriates alike are learning the art, often from master nahhams who still remember the songs of their grandfathers. Today, you can hear nahma performances at national day celebrations, heritage festivals, and in cultural villages that recreate historic maritime life. Some troupes also perform on restored dhows for visitors, offering a glimpse of how these songs once carried entire communities across the sea. For those interested in experiencing this tradition, local heritage centres and museums often host live demonstrations, especially during cooler months when outdoor events are common.