This Swahili-Creole word refers to a funnel-shaped musical instrument that is believed to be played during the hymns of Siddi spiritual ancestor, Mai Misra (associated with the word ‘Misr’ ). Mai Misra is the sister of Bava Gor, Bava Habas, Baba Nubi, and three other male spiritual ancestors, who arrived from Ethiopia through the Nubian Valley in Gujarat to bless the Siddi community. Mai Misra’s shrines are usually located close to the coastlines of Gujarat, like Kuda and Jam Nagar. During the zikrs of Mai Misra, Misr Kanga is played along with other musical instruments, such as the Mugarman. The funnel-shaped instrument is filled with 108 stones collected from the sea and is played by shaking rhythmically. There are zikrs for Mai Misra that elaborate on the aesthetic and spiritual values of Misr Kanga. For instance:
Kanga ye Kanga
Kanga misri me wa
Kanga janni me wa
Meaning: In this zikr, the Swahili-Creole words that have been used are Kanga and me wa (meaning ‘the release of sounds’). This zikr means that the Kanga is played in such a spiritually aesthetic way that it invokes the healing spirit and blessings of Mai Misra.
Kanga ye Kanga
Kanga misri me wa
Kanga janni me wa
Meaning: In this zikr, the Swahili-Creole words that have been used are Kanga and me wa (meaning ‘the release of sounds’). This zikr means that the Kanga is played in such a spiritually aesthetic way that it invokes the healing spirit and blessings of Mai Misra.
Playing Mugarman and Misr Kanga while performing Zikrs at Bava Gor’s Shrine in Ahmedabad
Video Courtesy: Roots and Routes : A Living Archive