“The Gift of Music”: Understanding Dedicating Music Practices Among University Students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Sharing files and links of music privately among Saudi students is a common and usual behavior in the current state of the digital age. However, the intentions of this exchange can vary. Musical gift-giving or dedicating music is a socially mediated practice where individuals send music links to others. This dissertation explores this practice within the complex context of Islam and the Saudi culture of university students in Riyadh. This research uses a mixed methodology to maneuver around the conservative culture and the possible sensitivity of the topic. Using a survey and conducting interviews, this dissertation found that university students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, have polarized into three categories. First, those who intensely indulge in music gifting practices. Secondly, those who slightly care for dedicating music. Finally, those who never partake in the practice. However, This heterogeneous behavior does not reflect the students’ listening habits or religious views. Most students have acknowledged the Islamic ruling against music. The data also clearly shows that the students showed diversity in performing the practice. Some of them dedicate links to complete songs, clips of parts, or written texts of music and songs they like and enjoy. The music they gift is diverse in language (Arabic, English, Spanish, Korean) and genera (Khaliji, Egyptian or Levant, and Western music) and is mostly used in positive contexts or expressing complicated feelings with family, friends, and life partners.