Music of Maldives

The Republic of Maldives, which is essentially a constellation of coral islands in the Indian Ocean, has been subject to an onslaught of myriad cultures over the ages. The variant influences of east Africa, India, Malaysia and Indonesia are discernible in the country’s musical traditions as well.

The indigenous music of the Maldives reflects the nation’s ethnicity and demographic diversity. Also it should be added that contemporary folk dance and music repertoire are very much part of the wider spectrum of music played by the old Maldivians.

One of the oldest and popular musical genres in this island-nation is Bodu Beru/Baburu Lava. It first made an appearance in the Maldives in the early 11^th century; a typical Bodu Beru recital embraces 15 people, including three drummers and a lead singer who may sing about heroes of bygone ages, romance or satire. All the songs are sung in accompaniment to a small bell and an ‘onugandu’ – a small piece of bamboo with horizontal grooves that produce sound when scrapped.

Introduced by Arab seafarers in the mid 17^th century, Thaara which in Dhivehi means tambourine usually has 22 male performers seated in two parallel rows. It is semi-religious in nature involving group singing and dancing. Thaara commences at a very slow tempo that gradually culminates in a crescendo. The participants are attired in white sarongs, shirts and green scarves. In olden days, Thaara performances were followed by a pseudo act called ‘Wajid’ which has now been banned by the government.

Another well-known music and dance form of the Maldives is Gaa Odi Lava that effectively portrays the satisfaction of a group of people upon completing hard manual labour. Legend has it that Gaa Odi Lava was first performed during the reign of Sultan Mohamed Imamudeen I (1620-1648). Other famous presentations include Langiri, a typical Maldivian dance/musical combination with sticks, Dhandi Jehun, accompanied by ‘Thaara’ or ‘Unbaa’ songs, Bolimalaafath Neshun, a song & dance recital by women, Maafathi Neshun which is quite similar to Langiri, Fathigandu Jehun styled on the epics & Kadhaa Maali.

Kadhaa Maali is presented by a group of 30 Maldivian men in colourful costumes; the men adopt myriad postures and their attire depicts various evil spirits and ghosts (‘Maali’). Currently, Kadhaa Maali is performed only during festivals, however in times of terrible calamities, it is performed to appease the spirits.

(Source: www.wikipedia.com)This article was viewed 815 time(s)