Marfa (music)
The Marfa (Urdu: مرفع) is a form of celebratory rhythmic music and dance in Hyderabad, India, among the Hyderabadi Muslims, descended from Afro-Arab music of Hadhramawt in Yemen.[1] played with high tempo using Marfa (instrument) daff, Dhol, sticks,[2] steel pots and wooden strips called thapi.[3] The Chorus effects and vocal meter are set according to beats.[1][2]
It was introduced during 18th century in Hyderabad State by the Arab Siddi community and Chaush diaspora, who used to serve as a Cavalry Guards of Asif Jahi Nizams irregular army. Asif Jahi Nizams had patronized Marfa Music and it was performed during there official celebrations and ceremonies. It got popular in India, particularly in Hyderabad state. It was brought to Hyderabad State by the arab diaspora of siddis.[1][2]
The associated Marfa dance is typically performed with janbiya daggers, and is likely to have been derived from the Bar'a (Arabic: برع) dance of Yemen.
Origin
Marfa is an Yemeni Arabic word used for Kettledrum.[4] Due to the large influence of Yemenis on the culture of Ethiopian siddi, the word Marfa got symbolized for the music played using Kettledrum.[5][6] Whereas kettledrums are replaced with handay kettledrum[3] in Siddi form of Marfa Music played in Hyderabad, India.[7]
Forms
Marfa music is classified in three different musical rhythmic beats.[2] A typical dance is performed jigging with swords and sticks based on tempo and rhythm of music.[8] This music is performed only by men, whereas dances and jigging is common among both male and female.[1][2]
- sewari
- bamb sheklah and
- ya abu bakar-ya abu salah.
Popularity
Playing Marfa has become popular in Hyderabad and it is considered as mark of traditional welcome.[2][9][10][11] Since 1951, it is performed officially by the government of India as part of the annual celebration on the occasions of Independence Day and Republic Day at Red Fort, New Delhi, India.[2] It's also played in Hyderabadi Muslim weddings, with great fervour. [12]
Reference List
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ British-Yemeni Society: Traditional music in the Yemen
- ↑ Yemen Music | Enjoy The Poetry In Yemeni Music
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Welcome to the Telangana
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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