Gaana | |
---|---|
Stylistic origins | Tamil Sufi songs, siddhars of ancient Tamilakam, music of rural Tamil Nadu |
Cultural origins | North Chennai |
Other topics | |
Tamil film music |
Gaana (or Gānā) is a genre of Tamil music, which is sung in the Madras Bashai dialect of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.[1][2] It is rap-like "collection of rhythms, beats and sensibilities native to the Madras people."[2] It evolved over the past two centuries, with influences ranging from the siddhars (tantric adepts) of ancient Tamilakam to rural Tamil folk music to Tamil sufi mystics.[2] Its popularity rose when it was brought to the music of the mainstream Tamil film industry.[2] Contemporary gaana bands are bringing the genre to new audiences while using it for social activism, especially against caste discrimination.[2]