Tanzanian dancers mesmerise

SD Sharma

Chandigarh, May 27

Vibrant folk dances of Tanzania and sublime Sufi and folk music of Tunisia were presented at Randhawa Auditorium here on Sunday.

The performances were a testimony to the fact that folk music and dances of a land represent collective aspirations, joys and sorrows, living styles of people from time to time.

The city audience relished the programme organised by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations and the UT Cultural Affairs.

Young and energetic folk dancers of Bujora Dance Troupe from Tanzania thrilled the stage while presenting an ancient harvesting dance ‘Bugobogobo’. Buyeye dance performance also enchanted the audience. This dance is usually performed in festivals or weddings.

Earlier, a group of dozen versatile musicians, who were all students of architecture, led by singers Salma, Henna and Aymen, submerged the audience into a virtual trance as they rendered melodious Sufi and romantic numbers — all in Arabic. The songs by Henna included Zama ysafi dahr, Alech thayr fiya, and hatima. Salma was impressive with Al beb darek, Keb el fouyira and Ma bin ei widyen, while Ayemen doled out Alla aibh dileli and Om ezine. Sarika anchored the show.

Chief guest Dr Pankaj Mala Sharma and Nalini Singhal, regional director of the ICCR, honoured the artistes.