Yemeni Folk Music: Women’s Experiences of Nostalgia and Longing in Songs

Abstract

This study employs an analytical and qualitative approach to explore the theme of nostalgia in Yemeni folk songs, emphasizing the concept of 'home.' It focuses on the often-overlooked experiences of women who yearn not for their homeland but for family members living abroad. Traditionally, Yemenis have engaged in short-term migration to neighboring countries, with this research specifically addressing the Gulf migration during the oil boom of the 1970s and 1980s. Through a detailed qualitative analysis of the songs, the study illustrates how the mobility of these individuals has inspired artistic expressions that convey their suffering, longing, and hopes. Key song forms like “Al-Mahajil” and “Malala” serve as immediate means of personal expression. The main argument suggests that the deep nostalgia experienced by Yemeni women for their loved ones is a crucial element of the “Al-Mahajil” and “Malala” traditions. Despite their general illiteracy, Yemeni women have created powerful calls for homecoming, often embodying the essence of home within themselves. These songs mirror their responsibilities, the emotional impact of separation from their husbands, and the feelings associated with estrangement. Women's folk songs are prevalent in various activities—such as grinding grain or fetching water—expressing love and longing and heartfelt appeals for their absent partners to return, often prioritizing their emotional needs amidst everyday distractions.