Bhangra

• What has Bhangra been fused with to create a new style?


  Modern Western music
• What was Bhangra originally?


  A fast-paced folk dance from the Punjab region
• When was Bhangra popularly played?


  At harvest time
• What is the main instrument used in Bhangra?

  The *dhol*
• How do the two drumheads of the *dhol* differ?


  The larger drumhead is much louder than the smaller one
• How is the larger drumhead of the *dhol* played?


  With a stick
• How is the smaller drumhead of the *dhol* played?


  With the hands
• What is the most popular rhythm in traditional and modern Bhangra?

  The *chaal*
• What is the *chaal* rhythm in Bhangra?


  • An eight-note repeated pattern
  • Quavers similar to those in blues
  • Uses *bols* to indicate drum strikes:
  • *DHINA*: play the small drumhead
  • *GHA*: play the large drumhead
  • *DESA*: play both
• What is the *dholaka*?


  A smaller percussion instrument similar to the *dhol*
• How is the *dholaka* played?


  With the hands
• What role does singing play in Bhangra music?


  Singing has an important role with light-hearted lyrics
• What do backing singers often shout during Bhangra songs?

  “Ela!”
• Name two other instruments used in Bhangra music.

  The *alghaza* and the *ektara*
• When did modern Bhangra develop?

  In the 1970s and 1980s
• What Western styles were fused with the *chaal* rhythm in modern Bhangra?


  Hip hop, disco, funk, and reggae
• How did the fusion of styles affect Bhangra's popularity?


  It made Bhangra popular with mainstream audiences
• What Western instruments are commonly used in modern Bhangra?


  The electric guitar and synthesizers
• Name a well-known Bhangra performer.

  Malkit Singh
• What role does technology play in modern Bhangra?


  • Mixing of different sounds
  • Samples from other music genres
  • Use of electronic sounds instead of the *dhol*
• What should you do if you see a cross-rhythm in Bhangra music?


  Try to cheer it up
• What can you do to better understand Bhangra music?


  Listen to the Bhangra Beatz album