Experience the Power of Folk Music in 'I Believe Art Matters' Folk Edition 🎶

I Believe Art Matters: Folk Edition | Presented by The Sheela Kanoria Foundation

Artistes: Susheela Raman, Kanai Das Baul, Mooralala Marwada, Aao Naga Choir, The Gachirampara Hojagiri Cultural Troupe, Shyopat Julia

Presenters: Anjana Somany, William Dalyrmple, Shubha Mudgal, Usha Uthup, Sanjoy Roy

Time Stamps:

00:00 - 01:58 - Opening remarks by Anjana Somany
01:58 - 07:29 - Susheela Raman & Kanai Das Baul
07:29 - 09:24 - Presenter Notes by William Dalrymple
09:24 - 19:05 - Mooralala Marwada with Kutch Folk Musicians
19:05 - 20:33 - Presenter Notes by Shubha Mudgal
20:33 - 25:31 - The Gachirampara Hojagiri Cultural Troupe & Aao Naga Choir
25:31 - 28:05 - Presenter Notes by Usha Uthup
28:05 - 35:58 - The Tale of a Rajasthani Bagpiper | Story of Shyopat Julia
35:58 - 37:58 - Presenter Notes by Sanjoy Roy

About I Believe Art Matters: Folk Edition

In 2020, Art Matters was launched in response to the need for a platform to support artistes and craftspeople. The objective of Art Matters is to generate awareness about the vast diversity of the intangible heritage of India. I Believe Art Matters 2020 was viewed by over 200,000 people on social media and the effort helped raise over Rs. 7.5 Million, benefitting 5200 artistes and craftspeople across the country!

I Believe Art Matters 2021 focused on providing artistes with an opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary collaborations. Through the initiative, we supported artists across 11 states and our social media reach crossed 1 Million+ views. We were able to raise Rs. 1.13 Crores and supported 6000+ people.

After the landmark success of I Believe Art Matters 2020 and 2021, we present ‘I Believe Art Matters: Folk Edition’, showcasing stellar performances and inspiring stories that represent and support Indian folk artists.

The tradition of folk music has a captivating history that continues to evolve, bridge cultures and become a medium of communication across borders and boundaries. But despite establishing itself as a repository of traditional values, collective memories and a rich oral heritage, the popularity of folk music is not immune to cultural turmoil and the relentless throes of modernity which have now made it more important than ever to conserve and promote folk for its survival.
I Believe Art Matters: Folk Edition aims to bridge this gap by supporting the local artists and giving them a platform to showcase their talent through active community engagement and encouragement.

About the Collaborations:

Susheela Raman & Kanai Das Baul

Susheela Raman and Kanai Das Baul have known each other for 15 years, learning and understanding the intricacies of each other’s craft. For I Believe Art Matters: Folk Edition, the two exceptional singers will come together to sing a devotional song dedicated to Goddess Kali, ‘Syama Ma’.

Mooralala Marwada with Kutch Folk Musicians:

For I Believe Art Matters: Folk Edition, Mooralala Marwada is going to astound listeners with his enchanting voice as he delivers a soulful performance of ‘Chodhke Mat Ja Ekli Banjara’. The artist is renowned for singing in the classical Kafi form of music that has evolved and been adopted by the Hindu singers of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai.

Ao Naga Choir & Hojagiri Dancers

In this exceptional performance, the beautiful voices of the Ao Naga Choir will sing a traditional folk song ‘Mejensanger Naro’ and this meaningful musical treat will be accompanied by the remarkable movements of the Hojagiri Dancers. Their collaboration will bring about a lovely fusion of an evocative song with the beauty of movements and gestures.

Shyopat Julia

For I Believe Art Matters: Folk Edition, the phenomenal performer, Shyopat Julia, will narrate the inspiring tale of his journey with the mashak, an instrument that he has mastered over the years! The artist will talk about how this craft has been passed down from generation to generation, the art of playing it and the anand that he experiences during his astounding performances!