“Folk music” is one of the more elastic labels ever concocted. It is slapped on everything from the thumri to the bhangra , the bhajan, the ghazal as well as half the stuff that is synthesized on Coke Studio (which, by the way, is not a negative prescription, necessarily). In recent years India has experienced a mushrooming of folk festivals. “Manganiyar” is now vying for household recognition status in many capitals in Europe, Australia and North America. And why not! There is so much to love about the galactically-proportioned world of Indian folk music.



But before we celebrate some of the current crop of South Asian folkies lets strip back the genre to its bare bones and go on a trip through the mohallas and bastis of the subcontinent to hear some of the purest, rawest music ever made. By real folk, awam and lok.



Mera Ghar Aaja (Hindi)

Blind Singer







We open with a true musical gem, regardless of label or genre. I call this guy Blind Boy Hari, as he apparently can be found on the banks of the Ganga in Haridwar. His voice is a natural gift, strong and expressive which when coupled with self accompaniment on a plastic bucket, instantly sends the listener into a realm far beyond the ghat. That he, a blind man, is so desperate and hopeful of receiving the Devi in his house and offering darshan is the perfect icing on the cake. Five Stars and Two Thumbs Up.



Folk song (Kanchi/Nepali)

Street buskers in Kathmandu







Nepal’s ethnic tapestry is perhaps no more rich than many other regions of the subcontinent. But that there is so much diversity within a small geographically demarcated space does give the impression that the Himalayan nation to the north is filled to bursting with myriad folk traditions. This clip catches some boys in from the far districts busking for chai pani money in the narrow streets of the capital. Clearly they are traditional musicians, used to playing together as a group. The song may be labeled simple but it is very attractive nonetheless.



Song (Dari)

Young boy of Kabul







This guy is going to go places! His voice is superb (to sing so well with no instruments to keep him on track and with the endless irritant of city traffic is no mean feat) and his delivery, replete with hand gestures a plenty (no doubt picked up from TV talent shows) is what makes this little singer stand out. When you get to the end, the man filming the clip congratulates him with ‘Muqarar’ (encore!). Indeed!



Love Song (Bangla)

Taslim from Dhaka







How many careers have begun with a heart broken by unrequited love? Attaullah Khan Isakelvi and Pathane Khan both spoke of painful love being what drove them to music. Perhaps this is the path that awaits this Dhaka man named Taslim. His voice has the quality of a Ben Webster solo, tattered at the edges yet passionate at the core.



Allah Hu (Punjabi)

Unknown Dhadi Singer of Lahore







The tradition this man keeps alive -singing sufi songs from village to village while accompanying himself on an ektara- is sometimes referred to as dadhi. Itinerant musicians on both sides of the Punjab border have been playing for alms while doing a little shuffle and offering blessings to passersby for centuries.



If you enjoy this sort of music, genuine roots music, then you’ll be pleased to know the internet is full of wonderful anonymous musicians from all across India and the subcontinent singing, playing and dancing their hearts out! And next time your path intersects with theirs, drop a few notes into their laps. They are keeping our collective heritage alive.



