JEDDAH, 17 July 2004 — Each year with the start of the summer, the number of celebrations and social occasions increases in the Kingdom. Most Saudis prefer the summer season for socializing. A high priority on the list of preparations for such occasions is the organization of the music — band, singers or both — that will entertain the guests. Families, brides and “brides-to-be” consider such details to be among the most important elements of weddings. They brag about the names and high costs of the wedding singers who charge anything from SR5,000 up to SR50,000 for one night.
The demand for wedding singers has led to the expansion and development of a small but vibrant music and entertainment industry. A whole band with a variety of musical instruments accompanies wedding singers. In the past they were simple and homely. Now they are fashion leaders, whether in the music they play or sing or the clothes they wear.
They now present themselves in the latest attire, hairstyles and make-up.
Singer “Athoub” considers the summer to be the busiest of times, working on an almost daily basis for the entire vacation. “My monthly income during the summer after paying all expenses,” Athoub told Al-Watan recently, “ is no less than SR40,000.” Athoub said that reservations rain down “on her 6 months before the summer season begins and increase 3 months prior to the start of the season.”
Things become so busy that she is forced to hire a secretary to keep up with the reservations, cancellations and deposits. She adds “a reservation is only accepted and confirmed if and when a deposit is handed over so that we know the customer — be it the groom’s side or the bride’s — is serious, because I cannot drag myself and my band to a wedding on just an agreement.”
When asked why she entered this field Athoub said that she had the talent since she was a child. Her father encouraged her to work on music composition. “The need to earn a living was the trigger for taking this step,” she said.
“At the beginning I used to get between SR2,500-3,000 per event. As I became better known, it gradually increased and now the range is between SR8,000-10,000 for one night in Jeddah with variations during seasons particularly over weekends. If a booking takes me outside Jeddah, it can increase to SR18,000 including expenses.
For some women it is about making a living. “Ansaam” said that she sings only she needs to make a living. She is a student at the King Abdul Aziz University, but has to take care of my family at the same time. The university allowance only covers her academic expenses.
“It’s easy during the vacations but during the year it can be hard when I need to perform during a weekday.”
Singer “Naja” differs from “Athoub”: She takes money according to the individual circumstances of the wedding.
“Usually my range is between SR16,000 - 30,000. It also depends on whether the customer wants the whole band or just particular instruments.”
Hanan has been a singer for 10 years. “Ten years ago I used to charge SR8,000 but now it is SR20, 000. Even if I want to make a discount it won’t be less than SR15,000.” Outside Jeddah fees are higher to include traveling expenses.
Local weddings cost around SR10, 000. “It also depends on where the weddings are being held,” she said. “If it’s at an expensive wedding hall then my price is higher.”
Athoub also observed that over the past years she has noticed an increase of competitors in this field due to its high income. “It’s no longer as simple as it used to be. We’ve got to be as fashionable and updated as the guests attending the wedding. And this all costs us a lot...with professional make-up and hairstyles.”
