MUMBAI: In a one-of-a-kind concept initiated by music label Saregama, a group of music lovers from the music industry and media gathered to watch Sufi singer Parwati Kumar perform in Mumbai on Thursday.
Saregama India vice president Atul Churamani said, “Non-film music artistes do not get as much exposure, but there are many solo budding artistes in the country. That’s why we thought of having music industry experts listen to them and see what they have to say about our chosen performer.”
Known for her Sufi singing, the chosen artiste for the evening, Parwati Kumari was earlier featured on Saregama’s Bombay underground compilation for her debut single ‘Arre Logon’ – a sufi qalam written by Bulleshah, earlier this year.
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One name that will instantly strike one after listening to Parwati Kumari is that of the revered Pakistani Sufi singer Abida Parveen, as also Shubha Mudgal. However, to steer clear of the obvious assessment, Parwati Kumari’s songs have been given a modern-day feel. “The arrangements are different than those heard in a traditional Sufi or Classical song, there’s inclusion of some electronic to give it a contemporary feel,” said Churamani.
Saragema has released Parwati Kumari’s 10 track album ‘Barse Barse Naina’ composed by Gaurav Isssar, besides making ‘hip’ videos featuring the artiste. As far as promotion for the artistes goes, the artiste would be encouraged to perform live in malls or open for an established artiste in near future.
With abundant underground talent waiting to get the desired recognition, the concept of making serious music lovers or industry experts listen to the artiste is plausible.
More so, as the suggestions given by industry experts can be incorporated to its best before he/she is fully launched.
Some of the well-known artistes present on the occasion were Sulaiman Merchant, Talat Aziz and Shantanu Moitra.
