Haqibah evolved into what is generally referred to as "post-Haqibah", a style dominating in the 1940s, 50s and 60s. This period was marked by the introduction of tonal instruments from both East and West, such as the violin, accordion, tabla, bongo and oud. A big band style came into existence, mirroring trends in the West. Post-Haqibah, like Haqibah, was based on the pentatonic scale.
From the 1970s to the present, Sudanese music saw a further Westernisation, with the introduction of guitars and brass instruments. For the first time, female singers became socially acceptable. Sudanese music remains today diverse, and quite distinctive compared to other musical cultures in the region and around the world.