(Photo by www.aljazeera.com)

Arab Women’s Bands Redefining Yemen and Oman

Across the Arab world, female musicians are making their mark, with two notable bands finding new audiences and celebrating women’s roles in contemporary Arab music.

In Yemen, Passion of the Heart, led by Amina al Amrani, is a small family group performing at women-only gatherings and weddings. Amina’s dedication to her music came at the cost of her marriage, yet she continues to champion female presence in music despite societal
constraints.

In contrast, the Omaniyat Band enjoys a prominent stage at the Royal Opera House in Muscat. Comprising graduates from Sultan Qaboos University’s music department, these women confront societal norms that still view female musicians with skepticism in smaller Omani towns. Both bands are breaking barriers and challenging gender stereotypes, pushing for progress in aregion where modern attitudes towards women in music are evolving but remain a work in progress.