Like most Bhangra songs, it features the dhol a two-sided drum that functions as the percussive heart of the music.

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"Indian fusion usually involves sitar, tabla or vocals, and it was odd to me that almost no one was using the dhol, " he said.

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And in the opening number, "Da zemong Ziba Watan, " when the full ensemble let loose with Eastern drums tabla, dhol, zirbaghali pounding out the infectious, syncopated rhythm, the audience began to clap along to this tune popularized by Mr. Sarmast's father.

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