MUMBAI: Mame Khan, a much-known name in the Rajasthan folk music circuit, has been making headlines with his performances. He started his musical career from a medieval village named Satto in Jaisalmer district. Jaisalmer, also a city of the same name, is famed for its rich history of kings and poets. Mame Khan hails from a family of master singers who have been performing music since the past fifteen generations.
Today, he sings a wide repertoire of traditional folk and Sufi songs which are inspired by ‘Manganiyar’ folk music style called ‘Jangra’. Jangra includes a universe of songs for different occasions in life.
He has performed on platforms across India as well as in Europe, Africa and the Gulf countries. He has sung songs for Bollywood movies like ‘No One Killed Jessica’, ‘Luck By Chance’, ‘I am’. He has also performed for Amit Trivedi’s episode on ‘Coke Studio Season 2’ for MTV. Further, Mame Khan released his debut album “Mame Khan’s Desert Sessions”. last year. He also performed at High Street Phoenix Mall in November at event ‘Awestrung With Mame Khan.’ Besides, last year, he sang the national anthem for Hotstar and also for Star Sports Pro Kabaddi League 2015.
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How has your journey been so far? What part has your village played in shaping what are you today?
The journey has been about ups and downs. In my community, my household is known for its singing. I used to play the ‘Dholak’ in the beginning, then due to some issues I shifted to singing. My village is a very vibrant small place. When I was growing up, we did not have television, we did not have mobile phones, we did not have anything for entertainment aside from singing and music, which I think has worked in my favour for what I am today.
What has been your inspiration? What role has your father played in your life?
My father has been my biggest inspiration. Practicing music and singing has been part of life since childhood. I used to listen to my father when he used to practice, learn from him, he was a guiding force in my life. When we left our village, we got a chance to listen to big names in music, which was a great learning experience.
You have played in different states and international platforms. How has the audience responded to you?
The response is good, but it needs improvement. In India, 90 percent music comes from Bollywood, 10 percent is what is left for independent and folk music, a ratio which needs to change. They are adapting, learning about folk music and developing an interest in it. In the coming years, we will see more folk and traditional music coming up on different platforms. We need more acceptance for folk music from the youth.
How was your experience with the Coke Studio?
We used different instruments which I had not used before, like the guitar and the Casio (keyboard), which was a great learning experience. It was a new taste of music working with Amit Trivedi. When different instruments meet, the outcome is generally great, and that is what happened with the ‘Chaudhary’ song. It was a blend of modern music with folk music.
What do you prefer, a live performance or a recording studio?
Live performance is an out of the world experience, you interact with the audience in real time, and there is a direct interaction and response. Whereas performing in a studio is more subtle, you get time to learn and practice before the shoot. But that is the way the world has become today, audiences like to listen to music as per their convenience, not all come for live events, so it helps us to grow and learn as artists.
Can there be a bridge between folk and modern music?
Yes, people are very open to it. We need to experiment. We need to merge genres and music creation. I have performed in different places and have seen people getting amazed and wanting more. I am working on a little collaboration, working with Bollywood music creators. In recent times, both have co-existed; it needs to work together, because that is how you can create good music.
