Fathigandu Jehun is a popular form of
folk music, in which only men can participate. It is basically a stage
music show that usually takes place in the evening time. In the
Fathigandu Jehun folk music of Maldives, each performer holds two bamboo
sticks in his hands and beats them, so as to bring out the sound of
music. These bamboo sticks are about 6 inches long. While hitting the
bamboo sticks against each other, the dancers sway their bodies and
dance in rhythm with the music.
The group consists of a drummer, who beats on a tin and initiates the
song. The songs that are sung in Maldives Fathigandu Jehun folk music
are usually epics. The songs are meaningful and infact narrate different
stories. One of the most popular Fathigandu Jehun songs is "Burunee
Raivaru" that explains the story of a sultan who had gone in search
of a wife.
