[3][4] This is the specific name attributed in Algeria to the Andalusi nubah of Algiers, to be distinguished from the Gharnati of Tlemcen and the Malouf of Constantine.

[5] The French musicologist, Jule Rouanet, added other modes considered as lost :[6] The rhythmic system of the sanaa takes into account percussion, melody and prosody rhythms, which distinguishes it from the Andalusian muwashshah whose rhythm is based exclusively on the music.

[7] The rhythm of the percussion is relatively simple:[7] The oldest elements of the Andalusian repertoire are organized into large suites (nûba (arabic: النوبة), pl.

nubât (arabic: النوبات)) consisting of different vocal and instrumental mouvement of different tempi and percussive cycles.

[9] The Algerian nuba repertoire is modular, each one is based on one main musical mode (tab') which gives it its name.