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The evening light turns golden as the sun softens its glow. The giant ball of fire will soon disappear into the sea, behind the horizon.
Lounging on the white sandy beaches of the Maldives, watching this scene unfold makes for an unforgettable memory that many cherish.
Often this enticing spectacle is harmoniously complemented by a familiar yet enigmatic resonance. The sound of the slow rhythmic beating of drums and indecipherable yet melodious vocals permeates the airwaves. As the daylight fades, the music becomes lucid, holding more than your attention.
This distinct cadence heard on almost every island belongs to the traditional form of dance and music called Boduberu.
A celebration to remember
A magical amalgamation of drums, vocals, and dance, Boduberu is an integral part of the island life in the Maldives. Its hypnotic charm is known to immerse the performers as well as the audience.
A wedding, Eid festivities, a successful haul by the fishing community, or an artistic performance at a resort; every occasion is reason enough to celebrate and be bewitched by this reverberating cultural experience!
The dance and its origins
Translated as big (Bodu) – drum (Beru), its origins are primarily attributed to the African migrants. Back in the 11th and 12th centuries, they traveled to and settled in what is now the Maldivian archipelago.
Over centuries, the locals have made this engaging phenomenon their own. Today, Boduberu is the island nation’s most dynamic art form.
In Boduberu, one lead vocalist is supported by an ensemble of percussionists and dancers, with group sizes ranging from a few to 20 in some cases. Barefoot and dressed in traditional Maldivian attire consisting of a feyli and a white shirt, this collective arranges themselves in a semi-circle with the vocalist in the center.
The lead singer then engages with the musicians in a lyrical conversation that is in tune with the beats of the drums. Next, the percussionists gradually tune into the song, joined in soon enough by the dancers on cue. In this mesmerizing setup, dancers sometimes enter a trance-like state as the song picks up pace.
Beginning languorously, the tempo rises gradually as the song reaches a crescendo resulting in a zestful finale. From the slow rhythmic beating of the drums, it segues into foot-tapping beats akin to the warm golden hues at sundown, resulting in a cool and transformational moonlit night.
The experience
Spectators typically join in this celebration, and this is something always encouraged by the performers. As the song progresses, it transcends the gulf between the artists and their audiences. The high octane thumping and clapping lure the bystanders into the act such that it dissolves all boundaries between the two.
Many individual aspects synthesize to create a Boduberu song. The instruments, the artists, and the lyrics play pivotal roles in enhancing the audience’s experience. Each, unique in its own way, creates a sublime piece of music when in concert.
The instruments
Sourcing raw materials locally, the drum’s large barrel is made from coconut wood which produces the deep bass sound. Traditionally, the skin of the Manta ray was the element of choice for the crafting of the drum head. Nowadays, artisans predominantly use goatskin. The smaller the size of the drum and the more tightened the skin, the higher the beats.
Along with the drum, which incidentally is also known as Boduberu, a bell and an Onugandu are the two instruments used during the rendition. Made from a small piece of bamboo with grooves carved in it, Onugandu has a hoarse sound adding an earthy layer to the rhythm.
The songs
The songs locally known as lava are a critical aspect of Boduberu. Based on the origins of the tune, these fall into different categories. Baburu lava, Javee lava, or Arabi lava have roots in Africa, Java (Indonesia), and Arabia, respectively. The artists come from a milieu of cultures and backgrounds, which is conspicuous in these songs.
The lyrics of these songs are usually obscure but broadly themed around heroism, legendary retellings, and sometimes they even dabble with satire. Romance is another common topic. Therefore, witnessing a Boduberu performance is one of the most romantic things in the Maldives for couples to enjoy.
Boduberu’s African origins reflect in the beats of these drums. But also in the lyrics, heavily inspired by words and sounds from this region. In the past, most lyrics were a mix of Arabic and African terms that made little sense. They were largely syllables that augmented the beats of the Boduberu.
With time, there was the incorporation of local words. Now, the use of the Dhivehi language is prominent in the songs. Once the locals were able to identify with the melodies, boduberu gained popularity across the islands. These days, an inhabited island that does not boast a homegrown Boduberu band is a rarity.
The bands
Boduberu bands regularly perform at festivals, religious celebrations, and special events. Not surprisingly, there is an annual contest held in Malé where bands compete for the top prize. The popularity of Bobuberu bands is such that they enthrall crowds in the Maldives and at exclusive events and folk festivals around the world.
Boduberu, however, didn’t always enjoy this popularity. Safeguarding the country’s cultural wealth took a back seat during the Maldives’ economic revival. Many of its traditions were lost or lay dormant for decades. Boduberu was one of them.
However, after being obscure around the 80s and 90s, Boduberu saw a fruitful return. As with its origins, this new life was also a result of a migrant influx. The folk traditions of Boduberu were enriched by the intermingling of cultures brought to the islands by these visitors who eventually made it their home.
With more and more travelers searching for authenticity on their holiday, many Maldivian resorts now include Boduberu as part of their traditional showcase. Hotel guests, therefore, do not have to venture too far for a bona fide Boduberu performance.
Boduberu displays a unique harmony that seamlessly blends the natural environs of the islands with the diversity in its cultural fabric. As a result, witnessing a Boduberu in the Maldives is unparalleled.
Boduberu is a must-see tradition that everyone can appreciate and partake in, while they holiday in the archipelago. It is especially enchanting for music connoisseurs or cultural aficionados.
