Firqa (Arabic: فرقة, plural: فرق; firaq) is a musical ensemble or orchestra in Middle Eastern music. While a similar ensemble called takht typically comprised between two and five musicians, the firqa generally numbers eight or more.
Since the firqa incorporates a substantial amount of western instruments including the violin and piano accordion, in 1940s Egypt the popularity of this expanded ensemble caused it to displace the takht as the ensemble of choice. From there the firqa became popular throughout the Arabic world including Eastern and Northern Africa.
Beginning in the 1930s, the Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum was accompanied by a firqa.
Firqa refers to local militia units in Oman. The British were known for utilising Firqa during their occupation there, converting former enemies into pro-British militia to aid them in their counter-insurgency.
Firqa continued at least until recent times; as recently as 1990 the Omani government was issuing payments of 120-140 rials per month. This payment was both to maintain a pro-government paramilitary force, as well as to enable nomadic Omanis to continue living in their traditional areas.
He's got what all the ladies want,
The looks, the clothes, the money.
He's a thriller just to be around,
He's got the moves all down.
[Chorus]
All the girls start swarming,
He knows he's got 'em good.
All the girlies want him,
Just like they should.
When he comes into the room,
Feels like the air vibrates. (Uh huh)
Everybody turns to look,
They all look right his way. (Yeah)
He's got the moves, the rep, he's smooth, (Mmm)
He knows just how to do it.
This guy is something else you know,
He really is a thriller! (Woo!)
[Chorus]
All the girls start swarming,
He knows he's got 'em good.
All the girlies want him,
Just like they should.
So when this guy comes near you, (Hey)
Ya feel th' adrenaline start.
He gets y'all excited, (Oo!)
The room feels kinda hot.
If you get real lucky,
He'll take you 'out' with him. (C'Mon)
You're feelin' really special,
And the feeling last real late. (Uhh!)
[Chorus]
All the girls start swarming,
He knows he's got 'em good.
All the girlies want him,
Just like they should.
This guy, he's a total thriller,
The baddest of the bad.
And what he does is risky,
But every night's the best you'll have.
He's a thriller (thriller),
Thriller man (Ooo...)
He's a thriller (uh huh)
Thriller man (And what a man!) [2x]
He's a thriller,
Ooooo..........
Thriller (Thriller man)