Tunisia Music has earned a popularity among a wide audience base.
Music of Tunisia is well known in the world for a particular kind of music known as Malouf. This genre of
Tunisian music bears similarities to the types of music prevalent in other North African countries.
Malouf has evolved through generations and the contemporary form of this music has its own distinctive traits. However, the origin of this music can be traced back to Portugal and Spain. It is said that it was the Spanish rule that led to the introduction of malouf in Tunisia.
Ud also referred to as ouds is a popular musical instrument played in Tunisia. Oud is basically a lute of Arabic origin. Most of the ouds in Tunisia are now made in factories. The number of craftsmen making the instrument has considerably reduced in number.
There are a host of renowned Tunisian vocalists and musicians who have made significant contribution in the development of
music in Tunisia. Sahila, Ali Riahi, Neema, Anaour Brahem, Samia, Raksh and Amina are some of the well known Tunisian artists. In the present century, Tunisia has witnessed the rise of music of alternative genres. Aspirine and Neshez are two music groups of Tunisia who have become famous.
To revive Arab music some music schools were created. Rachidia Tunisian Music Institute is one among them, which was established in 1934.
Tunisia celebrates music through a number of music festival that it organizes. The well ones include Arab Andalusian Music Festival held in Testour. Another music festival of relevance is the Sahara Festival held in
Douz.
Tunisia music is gradually making its place on the world music platform.
