Meet Seera: Saudi Arabia's all-women psychedelic rock band that is challenging conservatism with music

In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the electrifying sounds of Seera reverberate through the air, defying the traditional norms of a conservative society. Led by Nora's raw vocals and backed by a symphony of guitars and drums, Seera's performances are an example of the changing cultural landscape of the kingdom. Seera, an all-women psychedelic rock band, merges traditional Arabic melodies with the renewed spirit of psychedelia, drawing inspiration from bands like Tame Impala. Their music, once unimaginable in Saudi Arabia, now symbolizes the growing freedom of expression for women amidst a backdrop of ultraconservative ideologies.

Meesh, the band's bassist, reflects on their journey, stating, “We didn't know how people would react. We believe strongly in self-expression. To our surprise, they really had open arms for us.”

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About Seera

The name 'Seera' holds deep significance, signifying "life" or "biography" in Arabic. The band members infuse this essence into their music, blending cultural roots with modern sounds.

Seera's musical narrative delves into the life experiences of its Saudi national members. Singing in the Saudi dialect of Arabic, Seera bridges the gap between tradition and modernity, as showcased by drummer Thing's adorned red face covering, symbolizing cultural heritage.


Thing elaborates, “I thought this would be great as a reflection of the culture, the heritage and the roots. At the same time, it would be a cool representation between the traditional and the modern and the expression of it. That's also within our sonic identity as well.”

Seera's Impact On Society

While Seera acknowledges predecessors like The Accolade, who pioneered underground music in 2008, the kingdom's recent cultural shifts under King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have paved the way for greater artistic freedom. With women gaining rights such as driving and relaxed dress codes, Saudi Arabia's art scene is gradually embracing inclusivity.


Seera's recent performance at The Warehouse in Riyadh's Diriyah neighborhood symbolized this cultural evolution, with youths reveling in the music sans the typical trappings of Western punk shows.

Thing remarks on the progress, stating, “Things have become definitely better, more towards inclusivity and in a broader perspective and in a broader way. There's definitely room for more growth."

Seera's Future Plans

Looking ahead, Seera plans to launch their debut album, marking a milestone in Saudi Arabia's music landscape. Their international debut in Dubai signifies a new era of artistic exploration and cultural exchange.

Nora envisions Seera as a beacon of inspiration for the younger generation, advocating for self-expression within societal boundaries.

“It’s OK to look, act, behave the way you want as long as you’re not harming anyone,” she affirmed. Seera's journey reflects not just a musical revolution but a cultural renaissance, echoing the changing dynamics of Saudi Arabia's societal fabric.