MARIA M. RIJO LOPES DA CUNHA

Abstract
This article critically considers how the musical piece, “Al-Burda,” has introduced ground-breaking
formal and rhythmic innovations within Arab contemporary traditional music. I explore the
centrality of Mustafa Said’s musical adaptation of Arabic prosody in generating new rhythmic
modes whilst highlighting Said’s claims of continuity with an Arab literary and musical tradition
through the musical adaptation of the poetics of mu’arada, which means building upon pre-existing
models. This article draws upon postcolonial theory as a fundamental tool of analysis for the
underpinning socio-political commentary present at every stage of creation and production of
“Al-Burda.”