Music transcending genres

"Collaboration brings communities together along with their cultural nuances, musical instruments and genres. It blurs the dividing line and creates something out of the ordinary," says singer and songwriter Rahi, who's latest song "Sarmast" is collaboration of Sufi and Garo language an indigenous tribe of the Tura village, Meghalaya.

Born in Kashmir, Rahi is known for his songs like "Kasheer" and "Tu Le Ja Mujhe".

life spoke to the artiste to know about the inspiration behind the song, the state of independent music in India and his future projects. Excerpts:

What inspired you to make "Sarmast"?

Rahi: I was travelling to Tura, Meghalaya to be one of the mentors at Tura Centre of Excellence in Indian and Western Music Institute there with my guru and the programme director Sucheta Bhattacharjee and Booma Hangsing, renowned guitarist of the band Boomerang. A tune kept circling my head while we were travelling to Tura. In that moment, I knew I wanted to build something out of it, however, I wasn't sure of the approach. Upon reaching the village, I was happy to experience the hospitality and innocence of the people. With the breathtaking view of the mountains, the culture and the sense of music the people had a great effect on the journey of "Sarmast".

What inspired you about the Garo tribe that lead this collaboration?

Rahi: I was fascinated with the Garo language and their sense of music and instruments. The atmosphere, innocence and cultural richness of the people of Tura inspired the mood of "Sarmast". When I discussed its composition with my mentor, Shubhoshekhar Bhattacharjee

( With inputs from IANS )