As the Elders Sang: Exploring the Continuity and Novelty in the Folk Musical Performances of Goa

Abstract

Music, society and culture are intimately linked with each other. Music not only fulfils its primary need as a source of entertainment but also serves as a powerful medium for human communication. Music today has come to represent more as a commercial product, thus transforming its role in the socio-cultural domain of society. This article aims to explore the folk musical performances of the Christian Gawda, with special focus on one form of folk performance locally known as ghumata vazop. While presenting in brief the ideas put forward by some sociologists on music, ethnomusicology and folk music, the article attempts at a conceptual clarification between the two tribal identities of Gawda and Kunbi. Lastly, it explores aspects of continuity and novelty in the folk musical traditions of the Gawdas.