The Maldives is alive with the sound of drumbeat, music and dance. With influences from all around the islands, when you visit the Maldives expect a blended flavour from Africa, the Middle East and India. The combination makes for a cultural and celebratory extravaganza that throbs uniquely and colourfully as only the Maldivians can do.
When it comes to the top traditional music and dance of the Maldives, here are three to look out for – they are the sound of the Boduberu, along with the exotic Bandiyaa Jehun and Thaara dances performed by women and men respectively.
Boduberu
Dating back to the Eleventh Century, Boduberu means Big Drums and has a distinct African flavour, believed to have come to the islands through Indian Ocean sailors. They are made of coconut wood with a skin stretched tightly across each head effecting a quality sound. Originally, the heads were covered by manta ray skin, but now goat skins are used. Initially the Boduberu was used for ceremonies and celebrations. Now the sound with accompanying dance is incorporated in many different activities on the islands including as entertainment for visiting tourists.
The drums are strapped around the waist of the player and carried horizontally, leaving the hands free to beat each head. A dozen or more usually male drummers will participate in a traditional BoduBeru dance. It will start with a slow methodical beat that grows in speed and intensity until a frenetic upbeat frenzied crescendo is reached. The dancers react to the speed of the beat, weaving with a slow foot movement at the start to a frenetic energized stamping with exaggerated arm waving towards the end. Hand clapping and singing tourists and onlookers often join in the festivities particularly on the beach.
Bandiyaa Jehun
This is a traditional Maldivian dance performed usually by a group of young women colourfully clad in traditional dress. The girls form two lines facing each other, and each carries a metal water pot (bandiyaa). As the drum beat starts, they sway and sing moving towards each other and using rings on their fingers to tap out the melody on the watering pots. Usually performed barefoot, the dance can take on many different styles, sometimes twirling or swinging from side to side, sometimes slow, sometimes fast, with hair flying from side to side, usually graceful and displaying the exuberance of youth.