MUMBAI: When connoisseurs of music travel for a five day long sojourn to satiate their thirst for world class roots music and descend on a rather laid back town in Rajasthan – a town which comes alive to the strands of music emanating from any part of the globe and mesmerising all, it could only be for Jodhpur RIFF. The moonlight, the soul stirring music, the majestic fort all add up to create an unparalleled experience only Jodhpur RIFF can boast of.
Begun with the idea of helping promote the talent of Rajasthani musicians and vocalists and providing them the stature and confidence to collaborate and share a common platform with International artistes par-excellence, the festival has grown to become a ‘must-attend’ event for music aficionados, not only from India but from across the world.
This year’s edition of Jodhpur RIFF runs from 23rd to 27th October, 2015. Acknowledged as being one of the best music festivals in the world by CNN Travel and international world music magazine ‘Songlines’, Jodhpur RIFF is a unique experience for music lovers from across the world, attracting thousands to its excellent, spell-binding artists from Rajasthan and abroad.
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Announcing the 2015 edition of Jodhpur RIFF, HH Maharaja Gaj Singh II of Jodhpur-Marwar and Patron of the Festival said, “As we step into our ninth year, we are happy to note that Jodhpur RIFF continues to be recognised as the best place to experience a heady mix of rustic Rajasthani riffs, contemporary arrangements and global rhythms. The festival remains fresh every year. Our Rajasthani artists are also increasingly visible in India and abroad, in both niche and mainstream music forums which has a direct bearing on their livelihood. They are slowly, but surely, being accorded the respect and position they deserve in our popular imagination. Jodhpur RIFF’s pioneering effort is beginning to show results.”
The blue city comes alive on the evening of 23 October, 2015 with foot tapping music by the Algoza party, amazing male dancers, Jumma Jogi’s Bhapang, poetry and wisdom & vignettes of many other Rajasthani and international performers, which will be the gala opening gig.
Consequent to this vibrant opening variety concert, from 24th to 27th October, Mehrangarh Fort turns into a centre of cultural dialogue through music, narrations, dance forms and talks – with musicians and performers converging from across Rajasthan, Brazil, Finland, Ghana, Israel, Scotland, South Africa, Spain and India.
Festival director Jodhpur RIFF Mr. Divya Bhatia adds, “Thanks to the profile of the festival and the calibre of the musicians, we increasingly receive invitations to present Rajasthani musicians here and abroad most recently in Spain, UK, Australia, Germany, France and South Africa. Jodhpur RIFF is now recognised and acknowledged at forums such as CELTIC CONNECTIONS (2014, 2015 – Scotland), WOMEX (2014 – Spain), MOSHITO (2015 – South Africa). We are beginning to tour India as well, with gigs in Kolkata and Bangalore scheduled for later this year. This of course, is great for our Rajasthani musicians and exciting for us. On the eve of our 10th birthday, we feel ready for what is to come and hope that we can make an even stronger contribution to the legacy of the traditional musicians of India”.
