|
People of the Maldives have many traditional forms of dance and music which they have enjoyed for hundreds of years and which have been enhanced by influences from neighbouring countries and by various other people who happen to pass through its many islands. Bodu Beru where dance and music come joyously together is enjoyed across generations. With East African overtones it is believed to have been introduced to the Maldives in the 11th century. It is performed by a group of 15 persons comprising of a lead singer, backup singers, percussionists and most importantly drummers. The drums are parts of hollowed out coconut tree trunks with goat or manta ray skins stretched across the openings. The percussionists are equipped with a small bell and the Onugandu, an instrument made with bamboo with horizontal grooves. The drums set out the rhythm for the songs and once the lead singer gets into action the audience crowd joins in singing along and clapping to the rhythm. The songs are generally about heroism and love sometimes laced with a dose of sarcasm. Bodu Beru is said to have evolved among the common people as opposed to court music and dance. Women dancing the Bandiyaah Jehun don colourful attire and carry metal water pots on their hips and sway to music while tapping the rhythm on the pots or bandiyaah with the rings on their fingers producing a sharp sound. The stick dance or Dhandi Jehun is performed by men and women during festivals such as Eid. Dhandi are painted sticks that are brought together to keep to the beat. The women dancers have shorter sticks which they bring together faster and also beat the sticks against those of other dancers while singing. Thaara a hand held flat drum is the sole accompaniment in a form of traditional music performed only by men who sit in two rows and sing to its beat. It is thought to have been brought over from the Middle East in the 17th century. Only men sing the Faathigandu Jehun, a form of folk music that tells tales of events that happened in the country's past. Gaa Odi Lava is folk songs sung by men after a hard day's work. It has been traced back to the 17th century during the time of Sultan Mohamed Imadudeen. Kadha Maali found only on Kuhudhuffushi Island is a song and dance tradition performed by about 30 men who dance to the rhythm beaten on of metal drums dressed in costumes denoting ghosts and evil spirits to chase away these elements thought to cause illnesses. Unique Maldivian singing styles such as Raivaru, Farihi and Bandhi still survive in spite of the onslaught of Hindi and Middle Eastern pop that threaten to drown out traditional music. Stay at Maafushivaru one of prominent Maldives Island resorts to experience all the unique attributes of a tropical seaside holiday as well as to reconnect with oneself and loved ones in an atmosphere of tranquility rarely found anywhere else. Stay in spacious well appointed villas built form local materials giving it a very traditional feel, with beautiful views throughout the day and dine on a huge selection international and local favourites. As one of key resorts in Maldives committed to service delivery, the resort does a tremendous job of ensuring guests have a wonderful time. Google+
Related Articles -
Resorts in Maldives, Maldives Island Resorts, Maafushivaru, Maldives Traditional performing Arts,
| 
