Punjabi Tappe - Tappa from the folk tradition

Punjabi folk music is a rich and diverse musical tradition that has its roots in the Punjab region of India and Pakistan. It is known for its lively and upbeat rhythms, as well as its use of traditional instruments such as the dhol, dholak, sarangi, and algoza.

'Tappa' (plural is tappe) is believed to be originated from musical talent of Ghulam Nabi Shori, i.e. Shori Miyan after getting influenced by folk music of Punjab and Sindh. It is supposed that Tappa is originally, the folk song of camel-drivers of Punjab-Sindh region, so it contains the lyrics in Punjabi language. Basically the lyrical content depicts the love and sorrow of separation of Hir and Ranjha or any lovers. Raags expressing romance, light mood or pathos such as Khamaj, Kafi, Bhairavi, Jhinjhoti, Tilang, Sindhura, Des, and Taals such as Punjabi, Pashto, Sitarkhani are popularly practiced for Tappa. 

Tappe are characterized by its fast, rhythmic beat and intricate melodic patterns. The lyrics of tappe often tell stories or express emotions, and the songs are typically sung in a call-and-response style, with the lead singer improvising the melody and the chorus repeating the refrain. Usually the lyrics have three lines in the ABA pattern with the first and last line rhyming. These songs can be about romance, spirituality or just life in general. 

Tappe are often performed at festivals, religious ceremonies, and other special events, and they are considered an important part of Punjabi folk music culture. The songs can be accompanied by traditional instruments, as well as by more modern instruments such as the guitar and keyboard.

The classical tappas have evolved somewhat differently from the folk tradition.  I really like the folk tradition tappas. Punjabi Tappe in the folk tradition generally have three lines where lines 1 and 3 rhyme, and also generally are composed on the same tune.  They can also have four lines (see below). Also, generally there is no relation between one stanza and the other - they can be looked at as independent poems.

In recent years, tappe have become increasingly popular in the Punjabi music scene, and many contemporary musicians have incorporated elements of the genre into their music  (see Tappe by Yasir Hussain below). Despite this modernization, the tradition of tappe remains strong, the 3-line structure remains intact, and the songs continue to be an important part of Punjabi folk music culture.

Milna taa millege,

Nai to khasmaa nu kha mahiya,

 

Ke leyna hai mitra to,

Milne to aa jawa,

Daar lagta hai chiitra to,

 

Tusi kale kale ho,

Kuch tee sharam karo,

Dhiya putra wale ho,

 

Aye sare dand paye kade ne,

Asi taanu chunge lagde,

Te sade dhiya put wadhde ne,

 

Ithe pyaar di puch koi na,

Tere nail nayui boolna,

Tere muh te much koi na,

 

Maja pyaar da chak langa,

Je tera hukm hoye,

Meh to dadi wi rakh langa

 

Bage which aaya kaaro,

Jado usii so jayye,

Tusi makhiya udaya karo,

 

Tusi rooj nahaya kaaro,

Makhiya to darde ho,

Gud thoda khaya karo

 

Eet pyaar di pawage,

Hum asi mil gaye ha,

Geet pyaar de gawa ge

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