Malvi folk singers to entertain mediapersons

Folk singers from Malwa will descend on the Press Club of India (PCI) after a performance at the ongoing India International Trade Fair to entertain mediapersons with their unique style of singing and music on Friday evening.

“Our music is very different from that of other folk and traditional music of India. We use limited instruments – harmonium, tamboora, kartal/manjeera and dholak. Ye hamaari paaramparik lok shaili (this is our traditional folk culture). This represents the old Malwa culture,” says Ravidass, the lead singer, to Patriot.

They will sing the works of Saints Kabir, Meera, Ravidass and many songs which are native to Malwa.

“This is also a way through which we keep the native language alive,” he adds.

Kabir’s song, ‘Piyu ji bina mhaaro praan pade mhaari haili jal bin machhli mare (The soul says it cannot live without the divine just like fish can’t without water)’, is sung in a very different manner with the word haili stretched.

Prior to the performance at PCI, they will perform at the National Crafts Museum and Hastkala Academy.

“We have been invited by the Delhi government,” says Ravidass.

“We have over 50-plus artists of the Malvi songs back in our region,” he adds.

The secretary of PCI, Vinay Kumar says that the singers had performed recently at the Capital’s Gulmohar Club.

“The members there were impressed with the performance of these artists. So, we decided we will call them to the Club and entertain the members and guests,” says Kumar.

Entry is free for members and their families.

When: November 18, 6.30 pm

Where: Press Club of India, 1 Raisina Road