The Marfa (Urdu: مرفع) is a form of celebratory rhythmic music and dance in Hyderabad, India, among the Hyderabadi Muslims, adapted from Afro-Arab music of Hadhramawt in Yemen. played with high tempo using Marfa (instrument) daff, Dhol, sticks, steel pots and wooden strips called thapi. The Chorus effects and vocal meter are set according to beats.
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It was introduced during 18th century in Hyderabad State by the Siddi community and Chaush diaspora, who used to serve as a Cavalry Guards of Asif Jahi Nizams irregular army. Asif 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 (swords) and latts (canes), and is likely to have been derived from the Bar'a (Arabic: برع) dance of Yemen and Ethiopian drum sounds.
Origin
Marfa is a Hadhrami 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 sticks 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:
Popularity
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.