Kamadhoo wins “Baa Youth Bodu Beru Challenge”

Kamadhoo Yamak group has won the “Baa Youth Bodu Beru Challenge”.

The Bodu Beru Challenge that took place at B. Kamadhoo on December 16 & 17, 2011 was inaugurated by Landaa Giraavaru’s General Manager and Regional Vice President, Armando Kraenzlin and Youth Minister Hassan Latheef.

Armando Kraenzlin, explained the thought process behind the events: “UNESCO World Biosphere Reserves rely on optimum social, economic, and cultural conditions for environmental sustainability.  We’re delighted to be working with Varutha to help strengthen the respect for cultural values amongst the Baa Atoll youth, while giving them an opportunity to contribute to their home island’s own sustainability.”

The Baa Youth Bodu Beru Challenge was hosted by Four Seasons Resorts Maldives to celebrate Baa Atoll’s designation as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

Bodu Beru is the traditional form of music and dance in the Maldives that uses drums made from hollowed coconut wood. A lead singer chants the lyrics and a chorus follows as they clap and dance to the beat of the drums until it reaches a frenzied crescendo. Known to be introduced by the African community living in the Maldives in the 11th century, Bodu Beru is performed at festive occasions and celebrations.

Each group performed six songs (one saqaafee neshun and one from each of the five main Bodu Beru beats) for a prize of MRF$ 100,000 to fund a community project and MRF$ 10,000 cash for themselves.

The tournament was preceded by an intensive 10-day workshop run by Varutha, which gave two drummers from each group the opportunity to learn new sequences, polish their Bodu Beru technique and hone their skills under the expert guidance of Varutha instructors.

Based on their performances in the Challenge, teams were awarded points by a panel of judges. The strict judging criteria – including group size (no less than 16 and no more than 26) and overall presentation, cohesion, authenticity and originality – will be formally communicated to teams in advance, followed by a grace period to allow teams to clarify any issues or concerns.

The winning team will be invited to an Award Presentation at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru on 28 December 2011.

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru is a private island wilderness in the Baa Atoll UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Open since 2006, the Resort has gained international recognition for its pioneering marine and community-minded initiatives, including the Reefscapers coral propagation project; Marine Discovery Centre with ornamental Fish-breeding Lab and clinic for injured turtles; Baa Atoll Youth Project (assisting local youngsters with conservation projects); and the Island Waste Management Project (supporting waste removal from three local islands to prevent dumping at sea).