Hosa (folk tradition)

Hosa (Iraqi Arabic: هوسه), also known as Raddasa (ردسة), is a genre of Iraqi popular chants. These chants combine poetry and rhythmic dancing, and are performed during both celebratory and mournful occasions. They are most common in southern Iraq, particularly in the marshlands and rural regions.

The performance begins when a mahawil or muhawasji (chant leader) recites verses in the Iraqi dialect, typically consisting of four lines. The first three serve as an introduction to the refrain (rabbat), which is considered the essence of the chant. The leader concludes by repeating the last words, raising their voice, jumping, and forcefully stomping a foot on the ground, intending to evoke enthusiasm within the audience. The surrounding participants join in by mimicking these actions, and together they form a circle, chanting the refrain in unison.

The hosaat are largely improvised and vary depending on the occasion, such as welcoming leaders or guests, funerals, weddings, wars, victories, threats, and commemorating historical events. Occasionally, participants carry decorative sticks, banners, or weapons as threats or symbols of courage.

In September 2024, hosa gained popularity on social media through a viral video shot in Amarah, Iraq, featuring the line "La tatmāda, nakhbuzak khubz al-‘Abbās" (don’t go too far, we’ll bake you like the bread of Abbas.)