Community Music

I have been working with various communities, using the power of music and arts to bring people together. One of the projects that I am proud to have been a part of was the Khirkee Music Ensemble, which was commissioned by KHOJ and involved collaboration with the Aagaaz Theatre Trust.

The Khirkee Music Ensemble was an exciting attempt to unite the diverse community of musicians and artists who live in Khirkee Village in New Delhi. Through this project, we aimed to create a space where musicians from different backgrounds could come together and collaborate to produce something unique and beautiful.

It was an incredibly rewarding experience, working with such talented and passionate artists who were all committed to breaking down cultural barriers and promoting social harmony. We held several workshops and performances, allowing the participants to explore and experiment with different musical styles and techniques.

The Khirkee Music Ensemble project was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the incredible diversity of music and art that exists in India, and to celebrate the unique cultures and traditions of each community. It was an honor to be a part of this project, and I hope to continue using the power of music and art to bring people together and promote social change.

The project came together in August 2017 – Romeo and Zoom – two young musicians from Congo, Kumud, a prodigious 15-year-old with no formal training in music but awe-inspiring, her mother Leela who never did realise her dreams of singing publicly, Shahid – one of the core group members of Aagaaz who has been getting trained in vocals from Manzil. This motley crew was led by Baan G – the co-founder of Dastaan LIVE and Managing Trustee of Aagaaz Theatre Trust, a pathbreaking music ensemble. They jammed through many a hot and rainy day, with the one common language of music bringing them all together. Re-arranging known songs and mash-ups of a few others – their hour-long set list left the audience at the Jamunwala Park enthralled.

*This project was made possible by KHOJ International Artists’ Association and Aagaaz Theatre Trust.