Ho Jamalo

Folk song and associated dance in the Sindhi culture

Culture of Sindh
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"Ho Jamalo" is a Sindhi-language folk song and associated dance in the Sindhi culture. The performance is about the local folk hero Jamalo. It is sung in chorus to the rhythm created by the clapping of the hands apart from musical instruments. Its composition is simple and is intelligible to every Sindhi. The word 'Jamalo' is derived from the Arabic word Jamal which means beauty.^[1] The dance is performed as part of a victory or celebration. Though it originated in Sindh, it is popular throughout Pakistan.^[2]

A Punjabi rendition of the song was performed by Ali Sethi and Humaira Arshad in season 11 of Coke Studio Pakistan.^[3]

History of Ho Jamalo

There are several versions of the history of Ho Jamalo. One of the most accepted stories goes that a fierce battle was fought somewhere in upper Sindh and the dwellers of the area were facing extreme challenges against the invaders. At this juncture, a man named Jamal, who was very brave and courageous, led a small army to fight against the invaders. There was a fierce and bloody encounter and he emerged victorious. When he came home within sight of their settlement, the women of the area came out singing: ‘Ho Jamalo, khati aayo khair saan.’ Translation: Oh great Jamalo, you have come victorious without facing any loss.^[4]

References

^ Allana, Dr. Ghulam Ali (1982). Folk Music Of Sind. Institute of Sindhology, University of Sindh. p. 70.
^ Ember, Melvin (2001). Countries and their cultures. New York: Macmillan Reference USA. p. 1701. ISBN 9780028649504.
^ Shafiq, Saman (30 October 2018). "Coke Studio Season 11: From the highs of 'Shikwa' to the slumps of 'Ko Ko Korina'". Pakistan Today. Retrieved 13 May 2022.
^ "Ho Jamalo". DAWN.COM. 16 September 2018.