Niqab-wearing Saudi Muslim housewife Hissa Hilal caught the attention of the Arab world this month, when she shot to the finals of televised Arabic poetry competition, Million’s Poet.
The bizarre hit reality TV show is based on Nabati, an obscure form of Gulf Arabian poetry with ancient Bedouin roots, which is now delivered in modern Gulf dialect. Surprisingly enchanting, Million’s Poet attracts 70 million viewers from across the Arab world.
Versus Verses
The popularity of Nabati poetry has been boosted of late by heavy funding from Gulf governments and ongoing dissemination of Gulf culture throughout Arab World. What’s more, a backlash against all forms of televised entertainment echoing from the Levant and Egypt has given Million’s Poet a risqué edge and a cult following.
Hissa Hilal came third in the finals, but stole the hearts of the audiences and viewers. This plucky housewife earned kudos from the jury and audience, in what could be viewed at a pinch as the poetic equivalent of Saudi Arabia’s Got Talent…
Yet, Hissa’s road to poetic glory and stanza stardom has not been without its fair share of obstacles, as the verses she composes and recites criticize the Saudi Arabian religious establishment.
Rhyme and Reason
Despite the controversy her appearance has roused, Hissa (whose name poignantly means “lesson” in Arabic) and her resonant talent and voice have done wonders for the advancement of women in the Gulf region.
This brave Saudi Muslim woman spoke out to millions from behind her veil to present and defend one of the poems she recited:
“The subject of my poem today requires some courage. Many are afraid, many keep silent in the face of the dangers that encircle our nation, many poets are preoccupied with personal and temporary concerns but platforms such as this are the stage for more critical subject matter”. – She declared.
Despite receiving death threats and online slander, Hissa has been bolstered by the staunch support of her husband, her family and millions of voters who helped her advance to the final.
Ironically, she also got flack for removing her niqab in order to appear on TV, to which she responded: “It doesn’t cancel my mind, thoughts or art”.
The Saudi poetess asked people not to judge her on her choice of attire, asking that the matter “be kept to one side”, in order to focus audience attention on her poetry.
Pan-Arab Prime Time
There’s an interesting article on Hissa’s eloquent endeavours in The Guardian. It compares and contrasts her appearance on Million’s Poet to the misery endured by contestants on Lebanon-based Star Academy.
This pan-Arab offering, labeled “one of the most depressing programmes on Arab television” by The Guardian hand picks young Arab men and women and plonks them in a shared house.
Whilst living communally, contestants are taught to dance, act and perform everything from classic Arabic songs to the latest Rihanna hit single. Victory is conceded to he or she who emerges from the Star Academy experience with a short-lived pop or acting career.
Give me poetry any day…
