During the COVID-19 lockdown, I teamed up with my sister to bring some joy and entertainment to Zoom lobbies filled with friends and family. The result? Musical Tambola, a unique twist on the classic game of Bingo. Instead of numbers, we played songs and medleys that brought smiles, laughter, and a bit of friendly competition into our virtual gatherings.

What is Musical Tambola?

Musical Tambola is a musical adaptation of the classic Bingo game. The rules are simple: instead of marking numbers on your Bingo ticket, you mark songs. The game is centered around a curated playlist of 90 songs, each of which could appear on the players' custom tickets. As the host, I played songs or medleys during the game, while players enjoyed the music and crossed off the corresponding items on their tickets.

Key Features of Musical Tambola:

1. Custom Ticket Creation

• Unlike traditional Bingo, where numbers are randomly assigned, Musical Tambola tickets are customized with songs.
• The tickets were generated using an app I built, which randomly assigned songs from the playlist to each ticket.
• These tickets added an exciting layer of personalization and fun, making every game unique.

2. Curated Playlist of 90 Songs

• I carefully selected a diverse list of 90 songs for each game. These included classics, popular hits, and even nostalgic medleys to keep everyone engaged.
• Each game started with a shuffled playlist, ensuring variety and unpredictability.

3. Trimmed Songs and Medleys

• To keep the game flowing smoothly, I pre-trimmed songs to the most recognizable segments.
• I also created medleys of 2-3 songs, adding a fun challenge for players to identify multiple tracks in a single play.

4. Game Management Tools

• The app I built featured a music player specifically designed to handle the trimmed songs and medleys, ensuring a perfect and seamless delivery.
• A handy "Songs Played" log was shared with players in the Zoom lobby to help slower players catch up. This log displayed:
• The last 15 songs.
• Songs in ranges (e.g., 1-15, 16-30, etc.).
• All songs played so far.

5. Interactive Gameplay

• The relaxed, lighthearted environment made the game a perfect bonding activity. Players could enjoy the music, sing along, and reminisce while marking their tickets.
• The option to replay recent songs ensured that everyone, even slower players, could fully participate.

The Hosting Experience

As the host, I acted as the DJ, carefully selecting the order of songs, managing playback, and ensuring everyone had a great time. My sister co-hosted, helping with interactions and keeping the atmosphere lively. Together, we created a memorable experience for everyone involved.

Why Musical Tambola Stands Out

• Creative Twist: Combines the joy of music with the thrill of Bingo.
• Customizable and Unique: Every game is personalized, with tickets generated from a curated playlist.
• Perfect for Virtual Gatherings: Designed for easy hosting on platforms like Zoom.
• Inclusive Fun: Features like the "Songs Played" log ensure everyone can keep up and enjoy the game.

Build Your Own Musical Tambola

Whether you want to host a fun family night or organize a virtual party, Musical Tambola is an excellent way to bring people together. With its easy-to-use tools, customizable playlists, and interactive gameplay, it’s guaranteed to be a hit with players of all ages.

Let the music play and the fun begin!