Written by: Amal Mohamed
I am Amal Mohammed, a content creator and freelance journalist since 2021, residing in Taiz city. I hold a bachelor’s degree in media from Taiz University, specializing in podcast production and short film creation. I have worked with various organizations and platforms in fields such as writing, content creation, and voice-over
This particular project was not just a passing phase; it was a strong start toward my future in content creation and documenting artistic heritage. I faced many challenges, the hardest of which was finding a connection to the artist I had chosen—Na’amim bint Sharyan, who is considered the first Yemeni female artist from the northern part of Yemen during the era of the Imamate rule
Through continuous research, I was able to reach her family in the Old City. I managed to find her younger brother, who helped me schedule a visit to his home on the outskirts of the city. This visit led to valuable information, which I combined with details I found in some old books that discussed the period of Imamate rule in Yemen. I discovered that her name had been mentioned in those references
Na’amim was born in 1935 in the village of Shaqaha, Souq Al-Jum’a, Ifo’ah district, which belongs to the Sharab Al-Salam Directorate in Taiz Governorate. She is one of the prominent figures in Yemen’s artistic scene, known for her unique voice that combined both traditional and modern elements of Yemeni music. Her voice became a symbol of defiance and expression for the people during that era. Her songs captured the essence of Yemen and reflected the hopes and aspirations of its people
Na’amim began her artistic career at an early age, presenting a wide variety of songs that blended Yemeni musical heritage with modern touches, which enabled her to reach a large audience both inside and outside of Yemen. Her songs mirrored the social and cultural realities of her people
Upon completing this project, which was both a difficult and enjoyable challenge, I felt a sense of great accomplishment. Despite all the difficulties I faced, including a lack of information, difficulty in finding a recording studio, and issues with editing due to power cuts and poor internet, I ultimately felt proud of reviving a part of Yemeni art history. I am proud of what I have achieved
