Ahmedabad (Gujarat): Sidis whose ancestors had migrated to Gujarat from Africa centuries ago will be performing their traditional folk dance, Dhamaal, in US President Donald Trump’s roadshow in Ahmedabad on February 24 to showcase Gujarat’s cultural heritage.
The Sidi young artistes from Ratanpore village of Jhagadia are greatly excited on being invited by the government to perform their famous Dhamaal dance before President Trump.
Performing artists from as many as 28 states have been invited to show case their traditional folk dance and music in the 22-km-long road show of President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Despite their migration to Gujarat from Africa many generations ago, the Sidis have continued to practice their African folk dance which highlights tribal life of jungles. The dancers also play with fire and show their physical prowess by breaking coconut on their head.
Sidis, who have settled down in Ratanpore village of Jhagadia taluka of Bharuch district, have performed their Dhamaal dance all over India and abroad. Dark skinned they may be, the Sidis have integrated completely with the Gujarati society, even while retaining some of the traditions of their African ancestors. By heart and loyalty, the Sidis have become Indian.
A ten-member troupe of Sidi dancers has begun rehearsals in right earnest in their village for their grand performance before President Trump in Ahmedabad.
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