Sama is the name of a primitive religion, which the ancient Uyghurs believed in. At that time, due to the extreme backwardness of productivity, people, under the organization of the full-time priest - "Sama", used songs, drums and dances to pray to various gods of nature for good hunting and agricultural harvests.

With the development of productivity and changes in economic life, it gradually evolved from sacrificial rituals to collective entertainment activities for the working people during the New Year, and later developed into a unique folk dance form. In addition to New Year's Day, Sama dance is sometimes performed on general celebration occasions. Sama dance and music are also incorporated into the beginning of the third part of the Twelve Muqam - Mesilafu.