The oud is a short-necked lute of Arabo-Persian origin, an emblematic instrument of Arabic and Turkish music. It has profoundly influenced North African, Sahelian, and West African musics.
Construction
The oud has a body shaped like half a pear, covered with a thin membrane of wood or skin. The neck is short and fretless, with 4 to 6 double strings tuned in fourths. The sound is warm, rich, and deep.
History and Use in Africa
The oud was introduced to North Africa by Arab conquests in the 7th century and integrated into local musical traditions. In Algeria, it accompanies chaâbi and Algerian raï. In Tunisia, the melhoun and malouf employ it regularly. In Mauritania and in Senegal, nomadic traditions use it in griot songs.
Notable Players
- Mohamed Abdou (Egypt) — pioneer of Arab music
- Riad Al Sunbati (Egypt) — composer and oud player
- Tariq Abdel Rahman (Algeria) — master of the Algerian oud
- Abdallahi Mint Mouiyadin (Mauritania) — integrates the oud into local traditions