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JAMNAGAR, GUJARAT, INDIA, October 22, 2004: In Junagadh in Gujarat, the Garba is performed on a different rhythm, rather than a traditional one. A group of Africans, who came to India around the 12th century, have now assimilated the culture of their adopted home into Garba tunes. Most members of the band are ethnic or Sidhi Africans. And the Navaratras leading to Dussehra is a time of celebration for them. “We have been doing this for a long time, playing these instruments since childhood. Navaratri is a big night for us,” says Rafiq, musician. The Sidhi community has been here since ages and today their only link with Africa is through music and dance. There are around 30,000 Sidhis living around Junagadh, most of them Sufi Muslims. And over the centuries, they have smoothly adapted to the local culture and customs. “We have been here for years and we talk the language. We came from Africa, but that was a long time back. We don’t know our own language. We live here, Hindu and Muslims together,” says musician Iqbal. Garba performers enjoy their music and these power-packed musicians are in demand this Navaratri. And African rhythms on a Garba night is an example of music that crosses the barriers of community.

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