Marfa (music)


The Marfa is a form of celebratory rhythmic music and dance from Hyderabad, India, among the Hyderabadi Muslims, adapted from Afro-Arab music of Hadhramawt in Yemen. played with high tempo using Marfa daff, Dhol, sticks, steel pots and wooden strips called thapi. The Chorus effects and vocal meter are set according to beats.
It was introduced during 18th century in Hyderabad State by the East African Siddi community, who used to serve as a Cavalry Guards of Asaf Jahi Nizams irregular army. Asaf Jahi Nizams had patronized Marfa Music and it was performed during there official celebrations and ceremonies as they also claimed Arab ancestry from the first Caliph Abu Bakr Siddique through the Bayafandi Clan of Asir province in Arabia. It got popular in India, particularly in Hyderabad state. It was brought to Hyderabad State by the diaspora of Siddis and Hadhramis.
The associated Marfa dance is typically performed with janbiya daggers and/or talwaars and latts, and is likely to have been derived from the Bar'a dance of Yemen.

Origin

Marfa is a Yemeni Arabic word used for Kettledrum. Due to the large influence of Hadhramis on the culture of Ethiopian Siddis, the word Marfa got symbolized for the music played using Kettledrum. Whereas kettledrums are replaced with Handi kettledrum in Siddi form of Marfa Music played in Hyderabad, India.

Forms

Marfa music is generated due to three different musical rhythmic beats also called "teen maar taal".
A typical dance is performed jiggling with swords and based on tempo and rhythm of music. This music is performed only by men, whereas dances and jiggling is common among both male and female.
Popular marfa rhythms include:
Playing Marfa has become popular in Hyderabad and it is considered as mark of traditional welcome. 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. It's also played in Hyderabadi Muslim weddings, with great fervour.