AoS3 Bhangra

Question 1

Bhangra

Answer 1

Created by the PUNJABI farmers working on the land. Originated from folk dances in the Punjab region of North India and Pakistan.

Modern Bhangra adds electronic instruments and digital effects.

Question 2

Chaal

Answer 2

The distinctive dotted rhythm found in Bhangra.

Question 3

Dhol

Answer 3

Double headed drum used in Bhangra. Played with sticks.

The Dhol plays the Chaal rhythm.

Question 4

Where would you expect to hear Bhangra?

Answer 4

Bhangra dancing is popular at weddings, New year parties and other celebrations.

Question 5

Vocal Features

Answer 5

Bhangra lyrics are sung in Punjabi, where the melody falls at the end of each phrase.

High Pitched Male lead singer (usually). Backing vocalists shout Hoi! at the end of phrases.

Narrow melodic range.

Question 6

Instrumentation

Answer 6

The Dhol drum, string instruments such as the sitar, tumbi (one string), sarangi (a bowed string instrument).

This is a clip of a Tumbi solo.

Question 7

Structure

Answer 7

A verse-chorus structure with an instrumental introduction.

Question 8

Bhangra Dance

Answer 8

An IMPROVISED dance in groups and in circles. Acrobatic stunts/pyramids are popular.