There is more to the Maldives than just stunning beaches and luxurious resorts. it is also the center for lively music and dancing which offers a distinct cultural experience. You can delve into the rhythmical pulse of the Maldives through traditional acts such as Bodu Beru, Thaara, Dhandijehun, and Bandiyaa Jehun. These heritages of culture have an enthralling view of the Maldivian lifestyle and are an essential sight for all travelers.
Bodu Beru
The most popular type of music and dance is Bodu Beru in the country enjoyed by both the young and the old, male or female. In almost every Inhabited island there exists a Bodu Beru troupe and it is usually played during special events and festivities.
Bodu Beru's musical instruments are three to four drums as well as different percussion instruments. These drums are produced using coconut husks and have covers made of goat skin or manta ray skin on the two sides. 10-15 clapping choristers accompany the leading vocalist who chants away the verses. The pace gradually picks up until it finally gets into a crazy peak.
The drumming speeds up and then dancers begin emerging from the midst of the group swaying to the tune. The dancers make violent movements in time with the fast drumming rhythm attracting onlookers who clap and join in the dance. Then old men who had been sitting by themselves suddenly identify a strain that had struck them before pushing themselves into this space. They twist their bodies into all shapes imaginable with faces full of disgust as they pass on to upcoming generations what they were taught by their ancestors amid cheers from everyone around. During Mueenuddeen I’s monarchy, captives from Africa who introduced bodu beru to the Maldives in the early 19th century were set free and taken to Feridhoo Island in Ari Atoll. Bodu beru spread, affirming its place among most esteemed forms of diversion throughout that region.
Thaara