Siddi musicians– Indian people of African descent. Sumita Roy Dutta, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Did you know there’s a little corner of India where the soul of East Africa dances to the beat of drums? It’s a story that feels like it’s straight out of a movie script:
Centuries-old trade routes.
Voyages across the Indian Ocean.
The vibrant fusion of two distinct cultures coming together to create something magical.
Today, we’re diving into the incredible journey of how East African culture shaped the music of Gujarat, a state in western India. It’s a tale of migration, connection, and the universal language of rhythm. So, grab a cup of chai (or a cup of African coffee), sit back, and explore this fascinating chapter of cultural history together.
It All Started with the Ocean
Picture this: centuries ago, long before airplanes and WhatsApp made the world smaller, sailors from Gujarat were braving the Indian Ocean on wooden dhows. Their destinations? The bustling Swahili Coast of East Africa is rich in gold, ivory, and unique goods. And in return, they brought spices, textiles, and beads from India.
But the cargo wasn’t just material. It was cultural, too. Songs, rhythms, and stories traveled alongside the spices and beads, blending into the fabric of local traditions. This exchange wasn’t one-sided either. East African sailors brought their music and rhythms to Gujarat’s shores, and the connection was cemented by centuries of interaction.
The Siddi Community:
Here’s where things get even more interesting: enter the Siddi community. If you’ve never heard of the Siddis, you’re in for a treat. They’re the descendants of East Africans who arrived in India over centuries—some as traders, others as sailors or enslaved people. Today, most of the Siddi population lives in Gujarat, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.
What makes the Siddis so unique is how they’ve kept their African roots alive while embracing Indian culture. And nowhere is this more apparent than in their music and dance.
Ever heard of the Goma dance? If not, imagine a vibrant celebration where drummers set a pulsating beat, and dancers move with an energy that feels both joyous and spiritual. “Goma” comes from the Swahili word ngoma, meaning drum and this dance is as much a performance as it is a bridge between worlds.
Did Gujarat’s Folk Music Get a Rhythmic Upgrade?
Let’s talk about how this cross-cultural exchange influenced Gujarati folk music. Gujarat has always been a land of vibrant tunes—the devotional Garba songs or the storytelling Bhavai performances. However, the music has an African twist in regions with a strong Siddi presence. Here’s how:
- Polyrhythms: African music is known for its layered beats, and this complexity found its way into Gujarati folk traditions. Songs like Bhavai now showcase intricate rhythms that feel unmistakably African.
- Call and Response: A hallmark of African music, this back-and-forth singing style fits beautifully into Gujarat’s musical culture.
- Instruments: While you won’t find traditional African instruments like the shekere (a percussion gourd) in Gujarat, their influence can be heard in how Gujarati percussion instruments like the tabla and dholak are played.
It’s become a storyteller, weaving together the history of two continents.
Siddi Goma Dance. Akkkanksha, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Trade Routes and Musical Roots
Now, let’s rewind a moment and look at the role of trade in all this. For centuries, Gujarat was the hub of activity, with ships arriving from Persia, Arabia, and East Africa. Diu was one of the most important trading ports, where cultures worldwide met, mingled, and exchanged ideas. It wasn’t uncommon for African merchants to stay in Gujarat for months, sharing their songs and stories with the locals. Over time, these interactions naturally found their way into Gujarat’s traditions.
Fast Forward to Today:
Here’s the coherent: this isn’t just a giant lesson. The Afro-Indian connection is alive and well, and it’s getting its well-deserved attention.
The Sidi Goma:
If you ever can watch Sidi Goma perform, don’t miss it. Siddi musicians and dancers have taken the world by storm with their high-energy performances. From the African drum beats to the Indian devotional songs, their shows are a perfect example of cultural fusion. The Sidi Goma has toured internationally, putting the Siddi community—and their incredible heritage—on the global map.
Collabs, Anyone?
Afro-Indian collaborations are becoming more common in today’s world. Imagine Gujarati folk instruments paired with African drums and a touch of modern electronic beats. Sounds impressive, right? These collaborations are not just about creating music—they’re about creating shared histories and bridging cultures.
Why This Story Matters
So, why are we talking about this? Because this story is more than just an excellent piece of history. It’s a powerful reminder of how cultures thrive when they connect. Think about it: at a time when migration is often viewed through a divisive lens, this tale shows us how people crossing borders—whether voluntarily or not—can create something beautiful. The music of Gujarat and East Africa isn’t just of sounds; it’s a test of the resilience and creativity of the human spirit.
It also highlights the importance of communities like the Siddis, who have kept this rich heritage alive despite facing economic and social challenges.
The Future of Afro-Indian Music
There’s so much potential to celebrate and grow this musical connection.
Education: Imagine schools in India and Africa teaching students about their shared heritage through music workshops and exchange programs.
Digital Preservation: With technology, we can record, archive, and share Afro-Gujarati music with the world.
Global Collaborations: The future of world music could include more Afro-Indian tracks, combining traditional instruments with modern beats.
The possibilities are endless, and the best part? This story is still being written.
A Tale of Beats and Bonds
Music is a time traveler, isn’t it? It isn’t about stories, emotions, and histories across borders and centuries. The story of how East African culture shaped the music of Gujarat is a perfect example of this.
So, the next time you hear the rhythmic beat of a dhol or the lively chants of a Goma performance, think about the journey those sounds have taken—from the Swahili Coast to the shores of Gujarat. It’s a journey of trade, migration, and, above all, connection. And who knows? Someone may be dancing to the drum beat that carries this incredible legacy forward.
Anand Subramanian is a freelance photographer and content writer based out of Tamil Nadu, India. Having a background in Engineering always made him curious about life on the other side of the spectrum. He leapt forward towards the Photography life and never looked back. Specializing in Documentary and Portrait photography gave him an up-close and personal view into the complexities of human beings and those experiences helped him branch out from visual to words. Today he is mentoring passionate photographers and writing about the different dimensions of the art world.
