The Goma is a small one-sided drum that was brought to Gujarat by the Siddis from Eastern Africa. It is believed that, while traveling across the Indian Ocean, the Siddis played the Goma and Mugarman to keep themselves engaged and entertained on the one side and remember their families, ancestral cultures, and their spiritual ancestors in eastern Africa on the other. As already discussed previously, the spiritual and aesthetic relevance of these musical instruments has been documented in the zikrs. Here is a zikr that reflects on the importance of the Goma drum within Siddi spiritual practices:
Gori Shah ka hain ye Goma
Gori Shah ka hain ye Goma
Gori Shah ka hain ye Goma
Jam tiri tiri
Jam tiri tiri
Jam tiri tiri
Ye Habas Khan ka Goma
Ye Habas Khan ka Goma
Ye Habas Khan ka Goma
Jam tiri tiri
Jam tiri tiri
Jam tiri tiri
Ye Misr ka hain ye Goma
Ye Misr ka hain ye Goma
Ye Misr ka hain ye Goma
Jam tiri tiri
Jam tiri tiri
Jam tiri tiri
Meaning: In this zikr, the Swahili Creole words that have been used are Goma and Tiri (meaning ‘brightness’). This musical instrument is widely prevalent across different parts of eastern, northeastern, and southern Africa. In this zikr, praises are being sung in the memories of Siddi Gori Shah, Siddi Baba Habas Khan, and Siddi Mai Misra. The zikr says that the moment the Goma drum is played and praises are sung for the spiritual leaders, the world brightens up with light and energy.
Goma Drum