Historically in the Middle East, Yemen has been an important center for music. Yemeni music has been strongly influenced by the musical elements and genres of the Arabian Peninsula, and it is known abroad due to the popularity of Pan-Arab musicians and Yemeni Jews, who became famous in Israel during the 20th century. The Song of Sana'a, or Al-Ghina al-San'ani, refers to a group of songs that belong to a rich tradition of music that is practiced throughout Yemen. A tradition derived from various poetic traditions that date back to the fourteenth century, this genre is an integral part of social events, such as the Samra marriage evenings and the Magyal, the daily gathering of friends and colleagues.
Sana'a songs are sung by a solo singer accompanied by two ancient instruments: the qanbus (the Yemeni lute) and the sahn nuhasi, which are copper trays that are played with the fingers of one's hands and lightly struck by the thumb of the other hand. It is rare to hear a melody change from one to another within a single performance. However, the skill of a performer is based on how embellishing a melody can enhance the meaning of the lyrics and move the listeners. The Yemeni poetic repertoire, written in both Yemeni dialect and classical Arabic, employs wordplay and is well known for its emotional content. Although the songs were initially created in Yemen’s historical capital, Sana’a, the songs can now be heard throughout the country in many towns and rural areas. Many dialects are incorporated into the poetic repertory. Additionally, traditional melodies are occasionally adapted by performers in other genres, including rural dance and contemporary musical styles.
Yemeni Sanaani music was the dominant genre among Yemeni people who could afford to buy music in the early days of the recording industry, from 1938 into the 1940s. With the falling price of records and phonographs, Sanaani style records became increasingly popular among people who could afford to buy them, but as prices began to drop, it started to face competition from other music genres, which included Western and Indian music as well as music from other Arab countries. Sanaa's early recording artists came from wealthy religious families. Yemeni Musicians remain very proud of their Sanaa Song tradition, though attendance has dwindled. Today's musicians – despite their increasing numbers – know only a handful of older songs, which they interject in their performances before moving on to lighter contemporary pieces. Few elderly musicians have preserved the breadth of their tradition, as well as the subtleties of its interpretation.
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