Ali Merchant, a familiar face in the entertainment industry, is now making waves with his renditions of Marfa, a traditional Hyderabadi sound, across India. Recently, his Instagram reels showcasing Marfa performances in various cities have caught the attention of many Hyderabadis. In an exclusive conversation with Siasat Daily, Ali shared his connection with Hyderabad, his introduction to Marfa, and the sound’s journey beyond its hometown.
Ali’s journey with Marfa began through local celebrations and weddings in Hyderabad, where he was fascinated by its energy and the sense of community it created. With 11 years of experience as a DJ, he has performed at several major events in Hyderabad, including four New Year’s Eve events. When playing Marfa outside Hyderabad, Ali finds that it connects with two different audiences: Hyderabadis who hear it as a reminder of their roots, and people from other cities who experience it as a high-energy beat.
Ali’s reels demonstrate the instant connection people have with Marfa, even in cities where the sound is not part of everyday culture. He was pleasantly surprised by the reaction of audiences outside Hyderabad, who naturally embraced the sound and started dancing. This response, according to Ali, proves that cultural sounds with honesty and energy have a universal appeal when presented with love and respect.
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📰 Source: Siasat Gulf