Maldives Tourist Forum

I know it is a type of music and dance, but what does it consist of?

Bodu Beru is a type of music and dance performed by about 15 people, including three drummers and a lead singer. They are accompanied by a small bell and a small piece of bamboo with horizontal grooves, from which raspy sounds are produced by scrapping. The songs may be of heroism, romance or satire. As the song reaches a climax, one or two dancers maintain the wild beat with their frantic movements ending in some cases in a trance. It is one of the most popular forms of artistic expression in the Maldives; and if you go visit you can check it out; it is a truly wonderful experience.

What about Thaara?

Thaara is the Dhivehi word for tambourine. It is performed by about 22 people seated in two parallel rows facing each other. It is a type of music which has a semi religious touch, and is distinct to men only. In Thaara, there is both singing and dancing. The early songs which accompanied Thaara were in Arabic. The songs start with a very slow tempo and gradually increases to reach a climax.