The celebratory rhythmic music is called Marfa which is an important form of music among Hyderabadi Muslims. This form is taken from the Afro -Arab music of Hadhramawt in Yemen. It is played using the instruments like daff, dhol, sticks, steel pots, and thapi. According to the beats, the chorus effects and vocal meters are set.
This music first originated from the 18th century in Hyderabad through the Siddi community which is an East African community that used to serve the calvary. The Asaf Jahi Nizams which are considered an irregular army had patronized Marfa music. It was performed in official celebrations and ceremonies as the Arab ancestry was claimed from Abu Bakr Siddique who was the first Caliph. They had claimed through the Bayavfandi clan of Asir province in Arabia. It became popular in India in the Hyderabad state as it was brought by the diaspora of Siddis and Hardhramis.
The dance accompanies janbiya daggers and talwars and latts or canes. This dance is derived from the dance of Yemen.
To learn classical dance or musical instrument, please register with us at Kalapeet.