Saudi Psychedelic Rock Band Seera Leads Women's Musical Charge in Shifting Cultural Landscape

In a nation known for its conservative values and rigid gender norms, the emergence of Seera, an all-women psychedelic rock band, marks a significant cultural shift. This band, whose name means "life" or "biography" in Arabic, has become a powerful symbol of self-expression and artistic freedom for Saudi women. 

Seera is a four-member band based in Riyadh consisting of guitarist Haya, the masked ‘Thing’ on drums, Bassist Meesh and her sister Nora on lead vocals and keyboard.

Performing in Riyadh, Seera blends traditional Arabic melodies with the modern sounds of psychedelic rock, a fusion once unimaginable in a country long identified with ultraconservative Islam and strict gender segregation. 

Seera’s performances are electric, with young Saudis donning leather jackets and black rock T-shirts, swaying to the driving drums, cymbals, and synthesizers. Their lyrics, sung in the Saudi dialect, reflect their personal experiences as Saudi women. 

Seera is part of a larger movement that has gained momentum under the reign of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. In recent years, Saudi Arabia has seen significant social changes, including granting women the right to drive, opening movie theaters, and relaxing dress codes. These changes have allowed artists like Seera to flourish and inspire others. 

Despite these advancements, there remain significant challenges and contradictions in the kingdom's approach to women's rights and freedom of expression. 

This duality is starkly illustrated by the case of Manahel al-Otaibi, a 29-year-old fitness instructor and women's rights activist. Manahel was sentenced to 11 years in prison by a terrorism court for her choice of clothing and her online advocacy against the kingdom's male guardianship system. 

While Saudi women can now enjoy more social freedoms, they still encounter significant barriers in many fields of their lives. 

Despite these challenges, Saudi women continue to make significant strides in the music scene. Some notable Saudi female musicians include: 

Aseel Omran 

Aseel Omran, born in Khobar in 1989, is a celebrated singer and actress who gained fame through the reality TV show Gulf Stars. Her albums "Khajlanah," "Allah Yhannini," and "Mo Bessahel" have resonated with many, and her music video "Don't You Need Somebody" was a hit. Beyond music, Aseel is the first Middle East ambassador for Dior, showcasing her influence in the fashion industry as well. 

Sawsan Al-Bahiti 

Sawsan al-Bahiti made history as the first female Saudi opera singer to perform publicly. In 2019, she stunned audiences with an operatic rendition of the Saudi national anthem at the King Fahad Cultural Centre. Al-Bahiti’s dedication to opera, despite the challenges, has led her to perform at major events like Expo 2020 in Dubai. She now runs The Soulful Voice studio in Jeddah, promoting opera and vocal coaching. 

Loulwa Al-Sharif 

Loulwa Al-Sharif is a captivating jazz singer whose performances include classics like "What a Wonderful World" and "My Funny Valentine." Her musical journey, which began in childhood, has seen her perform at prestigious events such as MDLBeast and the Saudi International Golf Tournament. Her deep love for jazz and blues is evident in her enchanting performances. 

TamTam 

TamTam, a Saudi singer-songwriter based in Los Angeles, has gained recognition with her song "Gender Game." Performing at the 2023 Libera Awards in New York and releasing her EP "Ismak," TamTam’s music reflects a blend of Saudi and Western influences, highlighting her unique talent and cultural fusion. 

Jara 

Jara, Saudi Arabia's first female rapper, is a groundbreaking artist with empowering lyrics focusing on freedom and equality. Her single "966" gained popularity on Saudi National Day, and she continues to inspire young girls to pursue their talents. Jara’s rise in the music scene symbolizes the rapid transformation of opportunities for female artists in Saudi Arabia.

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