Sama (traditional music genre)

Sama is a traditional musical genre from the Middle East and North Africa, deeply rooted in spiritual and ceremonial contexts, such as Sufi rituals. It combines hypnotic rhythms, melodic chants, and intricate instrumentation to facilitate spiritual reflection and communal connection. Often performed during religious ceremonies, Sama aims to induce a trance-like state that fosters inner peace and spiritual awakening. The genre is characterized by its use of percussion, string instruments, and vocal improvisation, illustrating a profound cultural and spiritual heritage that emphasizes harmony, devotion, and the pursuit of transcendence through music.