The rich heritage of SA's Nagara dancers and music

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- MONISHKA GOVENDER

THE unique tradition of Nagara blends religion, music and cultural expression through male performers who have become the "crown jewel" of South African Hindu entertainment.

This is according to Ram Maharaj, the president of the South African Hindu Dharma Sabha, who added that Nagara music and dance went far beyond what many knew.

"The terms Nagara music and Nagara dance are derived from the two-piece Nagara drum set. These percussion musical instruments are played with two sticks producing loud and dominant sounds of rhythmic, upbeat and vibrant sounds of music.