Reggae at RIFF

The ninth edition of the Jodhpur Rajasthan International Folk Festival will see reggae music blending with folk

I still remember the Riff Rustle stage last year, the Mehrangarh Fort under the brightest full moon of the year, shining like a diamond among the inky blue skies. I was witness to a once in a lifetime jam between Bhanwari Devi and the Yuri Honing Quartet: Devi's voice full-throated, rough-hewn yet silky, against the magic of the saxophone, a magical blend of diverse forms of music from across the world.

The Jodhpur Rajasthan International Folk Festival produces such unforgettable moments year after year, and this edition should be no different. Grammy winner Wouter Kellerman, one of the highlights of the festival, is expected to blend together traditional and classical compositions at dawn, while Grammy winner Yossi Fine is scheduled to lead this year's moonlit jam with Kheta Manganiyar, Mahesh Vinayakram and other Rajasthani musicians.

The blue city will light up on the evening of October 23 with music by the Algoza party, male dancers, Jumma Jogi's Bhapang, poetry and songs of many other Rajasthani and international performers on the gala opening night. From October 24 to 27, Mehrangarh Fort will turn into a centre of cultural dialogue through music, dance, narrations, workshops and talks, with performers converging from across Rajasthan, Brazil, Finland, Israel, Spain and India.

Other highlights of this year's edition include an evening of sensual Thumri by Suchismita Das, a classical and contemporary musician from Kolkata; Bhanwari Devi, Anwar Khan Manganiyar and Barkat Khan Manganiyar singing both rare and popular Rajasthani compositions; and a rare compilation of traditional and classical Maand songs assembled and sung by the young and tremendously talented Parveen Sabrina Khan.

While the underlying theme is to showcase the best of traditional Rajasthani music, "this year, the other strands running through the festival build on jazz and African-reggae sounds," says Divya Bhatia, the festival director. "Reggae has come a long way from the heyday of Bob Marley and the Wailers. It's a global phenomena, not unlike rock or jazz music," explains Bhatia. "I've been looking for a way to introduce reggae at RIFF - expressing strong African roots and yet communicating both the essence of Marley's philosophy (the Rastafarian legacy) while resonating afresh with Jodhpur RIFF's audience."

Apart from the musical concerts, RIFF also has many interactive sessions lined up. "One of the key challenges facing traditional musicians is the continuing of their legacy among their younger generation. "This year we bring our audiences directly in touch with younger musicians of the Langa and Manganiyar community, to see their excellence as well has hear their views," says Bhatia.

Every year, Bhatia is on a hunt for new artists, discovering the big "find" of the festival. This year too, there are a few new names to watch out for. "Parveen Sabrina Khan, Das and some of the younger Rajasthani musicians are a must-watch," he says. On the international front, there is Antonio Serrano on the harmonica and Emilia and Suvi on the five string fiddles. Brian Molley's jazz and Papa Julius' reggae will be the strong contenders for this year." Bhatia also reveals how RIFF will be attempting their longest tour yet this year. "We tour the Brian Molley Quartet - they play in Jodhpur, Delhi, Kolkata and Bengaluru. Next year, we plan to tour a couple of our collaborations as well."

Jodhpur RIFF will take place in and around Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur from October 23-27. Early bird tickets are on sale at www.jodhpurriff.org