Traditional / folk music of Libya

Libya is a large historic country with diversity of cultures and folk music. Unfortunately, it had been many years under dictatorship of Qaddafi, folk music, artists and culture didn't have space to grow, record and commercialized. Many of these folk music in Libya died or not introduced to the world. Even after the Qaddafi, the situation is harsh and civil war does not let the folk music or the art breath. Many of folk musics and ethnic cultures in Libya may had been buried in the history during these period of the time.

The same as other north African countries, Andalusi music is popular in Libya with the name of Ma'luf, Chabi and Arab classical music. But there are few musicians can be named as they are not globalized. Mustafa Taalib and Mohamed Hassan are few names which can me mentioned. Oud is one of main instrument which is used in this type of folk music in Libya.

In the south between Tuareg people, Tuareg music is common but it is not famous in the world the same as Mali or Algeria. They play a violin style instrument called anzad and different types of percussion and most of musicians are women. Tinariwen, is a famous Tuareg band which was born in refugee camp in Libya but later they moved to Mali and they are included in Mali music. They were the first Tuareg band which electrified Tuareg music.

Some other notable music instruments which is used in the Libya are zokra, bamboo flute, tambourine and darbuka.

If you have more information about folk music in Libya or if you know some traditional songs from Libya which is played by folk music instruments, please kindly let us know. You can let us know through contact us page or send it through "Post a Song" link in the top menu.