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Canberra Today 20°/24° | Friday, March 29, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

Ecstatic tribal dance from India

HERE’S something quite distinctive, a  “tribal dance” from the Sidi Goma group from India, performing at The Erindale Theatre tomorrow. The High Commission of India and the Australia Association of Canberra say it’s “a representation of African-Indian-ness.” 

The Sidis of Gujarat are a tribal community of East African origin which came to India eight centuries ago and made Gujarat their home.

They carried with them their musical traditions and kept it alive and flourishing through the generations, though they hardly ever publicised it to the rest of the world.

A traditional occupation of these African-Indians in Gujarathas is to perform sacred music and dance as wandering fakirs, singing songs to their black Sufi saint, “Bava Gor.” Native African music styles, melodic and rhythmic structures, lyrics and musical instruments have mingled with local influences in this unique form.

Sidi Goma perform in a group of 12 to 16 dancers and musicians. The performance gives an overview of Sidi ritual performance, from the traditional muezzin call to prayer to a staged ritual performance. It centres on a danced zikr (prayer), consisting of joyful, satirical praise dances to their saint.

Intoxicating drum patterns that “speak” the zikr prayers in rhythm support the dancers who perform virtuosic feats of agility and strength, gradually reaching an ecstatic climax. On several occasions, the dancers walk on fire and throw fire from their mouths.

Sidi Goma at Erindale Theatre, 6.30pm tomorrow, Nov 6, tickets at the door, $15 per person for non-members. (Children under 5 are free).

 

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Helen Musa

Helen Musa

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