The Houthi version of ISIS in Yemen

In a country that still considers singing and art in general as religious and social taboos, many artists in its various regions are looked upon as from the lower class of society which has limited the spread of culture in the community for many years. 

However, in recent years a group of female artists appeared in Yemen to form an artistic and cultural movement, which has been accepted by some and opposed by traditionalists.

Upon seizing power in Sanaa and other Yemeni cities in the north, the Ansar Allah group (the Houthi movement), the northern de facto authority, posed the greatest threat to the new artistic movement through repeated harassment and decisions limiting women from singing on many occasions.

Despite the restrictions imposed after Ansar Allah took control of the north, many female artists appeared on the music scene during the years of Yemen’s war. Others decided to travel to neighboring countries to find a better environment to perform.

Those who remained in the country are singing in complete secrecy, at closed wedding parties, or via the internet. The latter does not necessarily protect female artists from being harassed or imprisoned in some cases.

Culture Ministry official Noah Muhammad spoke to the Media Line about the difficulties facing art and artists. He explained that before 2014 and before Ansar Allah took control of the capital Sanaa, there was openness and acceptance by the ministry of women’s singing and of airing their art on the state’s official media.

The Local Administration Ministry in Sanaa announced that district security directors are to limit “the spread of male and female artists at parties and events” to “preserve customs and traditions and consolidate faith identity.”

Ansar Allah has suspended many events and celebrations due to the presence of women performing traditional dances, playing musical instruments, or singing. Parliament member Ahmed Saif Hashid tweeted that these measures against artists are “the Houthi version of ISIS in Sanaa.”

Ansar Allah has prevented women from attending music institutes in Sanaa and other cities under its control and banned young girls from singing and dancing at school parties and public events, describing this as an urgent necessity to preserve customs, traditions and national identity.

Yemen has been suffering a seven-year civil war in which the Saudi-led Arab coalition, the internationally recognized government of Yemen and the Ansar Allah in the north of Yemen are all fighting for power. The war has negatively impacted all aspects of civilian life in Yemen, particularly culture and arts.