The riq (Arabic: رق‎) (also spelled riqq or rik) is a type of tambourine used as a traditional instrument in Arabic music. It is an important instrument in both folk and classical music throughout the Arabic-speaking world. It traditionally has a wooden frame (although in the modern era it may also be made of metal), jingles, and a thin, translucent head made of fish or goat skin (or, more recently, a synthetic material).

It is between 20 and 25 cm in diameter. Descended from the duff (see Daff), like the tar, the riq acquired its name in the 19th century so that it could be differentiated.

The riq is pla yed in takht ensembles (Egypt, Syria) or shalghi ensembles (Iraq) where it has a particularly clearcut role, going beyond the simple rhythmic requirements of the daff, tar, or mazhar. In Sudan, where it seems to have been introduced recently, the riq is also related to worship, as in upper Egypt.

The frame of the riq can be covered on both the inner and outer sides with inlay such as mother-of-pearl, ivory or decorative wood, like apricot or lemon. It has ten pairs of small cymbals (about 4 cm in diameter), mounted in five pairs of slits. The skin of a fish or goat is glued on and tightened over the frame, which is about 6 cm deep. In Egypt the riq is usually 20 cm wide; in Iraq it is slightly larger.

Karim Nagi is an Egyptian musician, composer, music arranger and DJ. He specializes in traditional Arabic music but is widely known for his innovative approach.

Also known as Turbo Tabla, Karim Nagi has released two CDs distributed Internationally by Universal Records: Belly Dance Overdrive and the Belly and the Beat. These CDs are pioneers mixing traditional Arabic sounds with Hip Hop, Techno and House. He has also recorded music for Bellydance Superstars, Bellyqueen, and the Bellytwins, as well as mainstream artists like Alicia Keys, and The Urban Griot Project.

He is also the director of the Sharq ensemble, a group the has revived the traditional Arabic music and has performed, toured and released one CD with the Boston Camerata.

Karim Nagi started the program Arabiqa, aimed to educate children and adults alike on Arabic culture through music and arts rather that through religion and politics.

Born in Kuwait, Karim Nagi lived in Egypt until his father received an offer to complete his residency in England. When Karim was 7, his father moved to the United States to work as a doctor.

Glen Velez is an American percussionist, vocalist, and composer, specializing in frame drums from around the world. He is largely responsible for the increasing popularity of frame drums in the United States and around the world.

Of Mexican American ancestry, Velez grew up in Texas but relocated to New York City in 1967 or 1968.[1] He began by playing jazz on the drum set but soon gravitated to hand drums from around the world (frame drums in particular), seeking out teachers from many different musical traditions. Among the many instruments Velez favors in his work are the Irish bodhrán, the Brazilian pandeiro, the Arabic riq, the North African bendir, and the Azerbaijani ghaval. Although these instruments are similar in construction they all have their own characteristic playing techniques. Velez has studied each instrument traditionally, but has also developed his own cross-cultural musical vocabulary, mixing and adapting techniques from various cultures and developing new ones (such as playing the bodhrán with brushes). Velez has been influential in the growing international interest in frame drums and many younger players now use his techniques.