“My name’s Feroz, but everyone calls me Jabri here in Hyderabad. I’ve been playing Marfa for the last 24 years, right from my childhood.

Marfa is especially famous here in Hyderabad, particularly in places like Barkas and AC Guards, where our community has kept it alive for generations. They say Marfa came to Hyderabad over 200 years ago with Yemeni soldiers who served under the Nizams. My elders passed down this art to me, and I’ve done my best to learn it and keep it alive.

Today, my team has 20 members, and we perform at weddings, processions, and celebrations all over the city. We play different styles of Marfa. The main one is simply called Marfa, but there’s also Savari, Nagin, and a special one called Yabu Bakke Rabu Sala.

Each style has its own feel, and whether it’s a lively wedding or a grand procession, the beats always bring people together. Seeing people dance and enjoy themselves makes all the hard work worth it.

Hyderabad loves Marfa. It’s become a part of the city’s identity. People from all walks of life invite us to perform, and we’ve even taken Marfa to other states. But for me, it’s not about fame or money-it’s about keeping this legacy alive. It’s about making sure these beats are never forgotten.”