Instruments of Indian Origin

The Fascinating Sounds of Dholak, Harmonium & Sitar

THE INFLUENCE OF INDIA

Original chutney music, also known as bhojpuri folk music, incorporated only acoustic instruments, including a harmonium, hand drums (dholak), and a steel rod struck with a horseshoe device to keep rhythm (dhantal), sometimes together with majeeras, which sound a little bit like cymbals.

The use of folk acoustic instruments in chutney music is an important difference from the other genres that emerged in Trinidad and Tobago, like calypso and soca.

In the late 1960s, chutney singer Sundar Popo uses in his music releases still mostly traditional instrumentation, accompanied by dholak, dhantal, and harmonium.

Instrumentalist Mungal Patasar is a music pioneer, playing several different music instrument, here with his with his Indian-originated sitar. Enjoy the sound of it in the following example.

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That music can develop is shown by the upcoming video example, where the electric guitar is morphed with chutney. Enjoy the WorkShop 868 Band featuring Shazeena Ramsumair and watch the exceptional talent showcasing his skills with the electric guitar.

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Chutney

Origin in India

Tassa

Tassa drumming is very famous in Trinidad and Tobago. In nearly every village are tassa groups, especially in the South of Trinidad. For the annual Hosay Festival, the drums are an essential part of the ceremonies.

Often tassa drummers are invited to accompany religious ceremonies, like weddings, childbirth celebrations, funerals, and wakes.

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The video clip is from „Mastana Bahar“ a local TV program, showcasing the Indian heritage (singing, dance, and instrumentalists) over decades. The program was created in 1970. (especially the 1980s and 1990s). This is „A Few Good Men“, a tassa group from San Fernando, to make a little example from the show and the drumming.

Tassa drums are also the main instrumentation of chutney soca arrangements. Keyboard and drum machines together with tassa drums are used in the rhythms. The upbeat tempo became a driving force behind soca. Can you hear them now?

Beautifully this example is showing you as well the "bottle and spoon" as music style. The video was shot on a typical river lime, where friends and family often come together to cook by the river and have a good time (as you can see clearly).

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Raymond Ramnarine - Nack ah ting (Music Video)

MORE ABOUT CHUTNEY MUSIC HERE