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Sindh is country with roots in the Indus Vally Civillization. The ancient
wisdom of its culture is reflected in the sufi way of its people. Music has been an
essential part of the spiritual life of sindhis for many a millennia. Unfortunately,
in contrast of its rich musical traditions, Sindhi music has little exposure on the world
music scene. The Sufi Music consists of "Baits" or "Waee".
The Baits are performed in two ways i.e 'Sanhoon'
or thin (low voice) and 'graham' or thic (high voice). The Waee can be performed in
three different ways. The first is called 'Chherra' or Tinkering.In Chherra, there is a rapid back and forth or up and down change of notes. The sequence of striking the strings is entirely dependent on the contents of the Waee. The second way of performing a Waee is called 'Dotalli' or double-stringed. The Dotalli Waee is performed by rendering the verses on a rythem consisiting of strings in order of 2nd, 5th, 1st and again 5th. The third way the Waee is performed is called 'Dedhi' or twisted. The Dedhi Waee is performed by rendering the verses on a rythm consisting of strings in order of 2nd, 5th, 1st and a blank or a tap on the wooden top of the heart-shaped bottom of the Dambooro. The tap on the wooden part gives sort of percussion sound and enhances the rythm of the Waee. The last version is the most common and preferred way of performing waee by the most Fakirs.
Waee is more popularly known as 'Kafi', common to Sindh and adjoining areas of Balochistan, Punjab, Rajistan and Gujrat. The Kafi is an institution in itself in which many people can take part. After every line, a regular dialogue in singing ensues. One man gives a 'dohira' a verse; then another responds, replying in return; so on and so on it goes and supplies a feast for the intellect as well as the heart.
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