The music of the Maldives is an eclectic mix of the Indian, Arabian and East African influences. There are many Maldives luxury resorts which would offer you this influence out of which Baros Maldives is a favourite Maldives villa amongst many who wish to experience Maldives to its fullest. While there are many music forms in Maldives, the most popular form is Boduberu which is a form of energetic dance music especially known in the Northern Atolls. This is an entire performance which involves about 15 people, a lead singer, three percussionists, an onugandu – a small bamboo stick with horizontal grooves and a bell.
Another popular form of music is called Thara. This is a somewhat religious performance of about 22 men seated in two rows opposite each other which is believed to have come from Arabs in the 17th century. Another popular form of music performed here is Gaa odi lava which is a type of song sung after the completion of manual labour.
As per musical instruments, besides the drum, a favourite musical instrument among Maldivians is the bulbul tarang, a sort of a horizontal accordion. Often accompanying devotional songs, the first bulbul tarangs were brought down from Calcutta during the early 19th century emphasising upon the influence of North Indian music in Maldives.