Bodu Beru Bodu Beru is the most
popular form of music and dance in the country, enjoyed by the
young and old, men and women. There is a Bodu Beru troupe in
almost every inhabited island and is regularly played at special
functions and festivals.
The musical instruments used in Bodu Beru consist of three of
four drums and a variety of percussion instruments. The drums
are made from hollowed coconut woon and covered on both ends
with manta ray skin or goat hide. A lead singer chants the
lyrics and a chorus of 10 to 15 follows as they clap to the beat
of the drums. The rhythm build as the song continues until it
reaches a frenzied crescendo.
As the rhythm picks up, dancers come out from amongst the troupe
swaying to the rhythm. As the beat becomes faster the dancers
leap and jerk to the beat as if in a trance. Onlookers join in
clapping and dancing. Old men, suddenly catch a stray rhythm and
throw themselves into the arena. To wild applause from the crowd
they gyrate and grimace in their dance, passing on to the young
what they have learnt from their forefathers. According to some
historians Bodu beru was introduced to the country in the early
19th century by African slaves. During the reign of Mueenuddeen
I these slaves were liberated and sent to Feridhoo in Ari Atoll.
It is believed that bodu beru spread out from there to become
one of the most popular forms of entertainment in the country.
Thaara Thaara also holds a
special place in local entertainment. Two lines of men attired
in white sit on the ground and sing beating hand drums while
others dance between them. Thaara is believed to have been
introduced from the Middle East in the seventeenth century.
Today thaara is only played at national events.
Dhandijehun Dhandijehun is another form of entertainment, which is
popular throughout the country. This is mostly performed to
celebrate festive events such as Eid and other national
occasions.
Bandiyaa Jehun Bandiyaa Jehun is a popular form of dance performed by young
women. The women carrying metal water pots stand in two lines
facing each. They sing and dance to melodious tunes while
tapping the rhythm on the pots with rings worm on their fingers.
