Maldivian Traditional Bodu Beru dance

Bodu Beru is similar to some of the songs and dances found in East Africa. It is likely that the music was introduced to The Maldives by sailors from the Indian Ocean region. Bodu Beru is performed by about 15 people, including three drummers and a lead singer. They are accompanied by a small bell and an Onugandu 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. The prelude to the song is a slow beat with emphasis on drumming, and dancing.