Omani couple, Farah Jamal al Balushi and Talal al Siyabi, share their timeless language of music which, they believe, is nourishment for the soul

Muscat – In the heart of Oman, a musical journey unfolded for Farah Jamal al Balushi and her partner Talal al Siyabi as they transcended boundaries, gracing the stages for sultans, kings, and presidents.

The duo – Farah, who plays the Qanun (a stringed Arabic instrument) and Talal, who plays a traditional drum – deeply rooted in the royal musical tradition, found a unique path that harmonised dedication, challenge, and the pursuit of a shared passion.

Farah, not just a musician but also a composer, has dedicated some of her musical creations to the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said, weaving a melodic tapestry in her life that echoed the ‘spirit of Oman’. Through renditions delivered together, they have been adding their melodious touch to many celebrations in Oman.

The couple started their journey with music as colleagues, playing for the Royal Band, and ended up as soulmates as music struck a common chord between them.

Both say they have been inspired by music since childhood. Farah got employed in the Royal Band in 1994 while Talal, who had started playing percussion and other instruments since 1980, joined the Royal Band in 1998. After years of being co-workers in the Royal Band, they grew fond of each other and eventually got married in 2000.

Talal said, “We have travelled together to play in many events and places of various scales including the Royal Opera of Egypt, Omani and foreign embassies overseas and special concerts for Royal families.”

As members of the Royal Band, the duo, who go by the name ‘TF – musical couple’, say their journey had its share of hurdles and challenges, too. They have often faced constrictions of seeking permission for every private event.

Undeterred by the hurdles, they continued proving their mettle as professional musicians and invitations from government departments and embassies soon became the canvas on which they together painted a musical career, representing the sultanate at domestic and international platforms.

The decision to seek early retirement from the band marked a pivotal moment for both. With newfound freedom, they embarked on a full-time musical career, seeking to share their passion without constraints.

“Music,” says Farah, “is nourishment for the soul, and each note played resonates within us with a shared goal. It is something both of us are passionate about and which brings us fulfillment and bliss.”

A simple yet crucial ritual precedes every concert – arranging the musical scores for the audience they will be entertaining and experimenting with new songs.

The duo admits that their two sons have come to terms with their shared love for music, however, their true calling lay in information technology and computers.

TF’s musical odyssey has often gone beyond Oman’s borders. They are a familiar presence in Arab and Western circles, gracing festivals in Egypt, Tunisia, Iraq, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Their participation in the Riyadh Season, on invitation by counsellor Turki al Sheikh, did mark a historic moment for them.

Together, the aspire to participate in global forums, carrying soulful melodies from Oman to international audiences. Acknowledging the support they received from the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth, the couple are, however, hopeful that other ministries, government institutions, and corporates also extend the same courtesy to talented Omanis in diverse fields.

As they continue their musical mission, Farah and Talal hope to inspire the youth to take up fulfilling careers in music to conserve Omani music as well as instruments for generations to come.