(b Afifah, near Sohar, Oman, c1953). Omani musician. He was born in an area populated by Belushis and sedentary Bedouins. As a curious and imaginative child he was interested in the traditional Omani arts. He learnt traditional dances by imitation even before he was taken to Kuwait at the age of seven to live with a family of diplomats. During his school years he continued to involve himself with Omani traditions among the many emigrants in Kuwait and formed a group which performed Omani dances, plays and songs. Upon his return to Sohar in 1988 he obtained an administrative position in the Directorate of Education and also went into business as the owner of several food stores. His social prominence derived from his exceptional blend of artistic, administrative and diplomatic skills. He was known for his outstanding talent as a performer of the razīf, the complex of poetry and dances such as wahhābīyah and ayyālah associated with the settled Bedouins. In 1987 the provincial governor appointed him leader of the performance group which represented the province of Sohar on national occasions. By interpreting and implementing national policies in the domain of cultural performances for the entire province of Sohar, Yūsif assumed a position of power unlike that of any other artist in Sohar.
DIETER CHRISTENSEN