Maldives has a lot to offer from beautiful sandy beaches, pristine waters, and a colourful energetic culture. Their traditional music and dance will captivate and most definitely get you moving to their compelling music beats.

One of the most popular and enjoyable form of music and dance in the Maldives is known as Bodu Beru; translating to Big Drum. Bodu Beru is usually a group of young men and there are about 3 to 4 drums and a lead singer who sings the lyrics and approximately 10 to 15 members of the group who sings out the chorus together while clapping to the beat of the drums. They are usually attired in white t-shirts and sarongs though it changes nowadays based on the event they are performing at.

Songs usually start of slow and the rhythm picks up, reaching a crescendo which creates a very energetic and captivating atmosphere. Dancers come out as the beat gets faster, swaying to the rhythm and moving wildly as if in a trance. Crowds of all ages applaud wildly and join in the dance bringing people together while enjoying immensely.

Bodu Beru is played in festive seasons like Eid and now often at wedding or birthday parties, resort events and even fashion shows.

Another popular and adored form of dance and music in the Maldives is known as Bandiyaa Jehun. In contrast to Bodu Beru, Bandiyaa Jehun is performed by young women. Women stand in two lines facing each other carrying metal water pots. They sing and sway their hips and dance to harmonious tunes while tapping the pots to the rhythm. They wear traditional dresses like the Kasabu Libaas or Hedhunburi and Kandiki complimenting their figure as they dance and expressing and celebrating femininity.

A less popular but still an important traditional dance and music in the Maldives is Thaara. Two lines of men attired the same as in Bodu Beru sit on the ground beating hand drums while dancers dance in between them to the beats. Thaara is packed with Maldivian culture since long ago though now it is performed and played in national events.

Despite westernization, traditional music and dance and culture of the Maldives is still extremely popular amongst the locals and is practiced by people around the country, expressing and spreading the festive and enthusiastic traditions.