Jaipur Music Stage 2019 unveils line-up

As Jaipur gears up for the 12th edition of the ZEE Jaipur Literature Festival, the Jaipur Music Stage, which runs parallel to the grand feast of ideas and literature, has announced its power-packed line-up of performances. Rooted in the heart of India but flavoured with offerings from across the globe, Jaipur Music Stage features a variety of artistes from the international spectrum showcasing a multi-genre abundance in style, sound, and history. Be it world music, ghazals, funk, rock or the Blues, the Jaipur Music Stage 2019 is a music festival like no other; embodying variety, excellence and collaboration.  

The artistes performing at the Jaipur Music Stage include the earthy and soulful Nooran Sisters; leading Carnatic and world music vocalist Mahesh Vinayakram in collaboration with Dub FX (Benjamin Stanford), the ever-popular and effervescent Punjabi folk singer JasbirJassi in a never-seen-before collaboration with Kutle Khan, folk-rock legends Indian Ocean, violin maestro Dr. L Subramaniam, Shillong-based blues act Soulmate, and techno masters MidivalPunditz.

Kickstarting the Jaipur Music Stage on 24th January will be the sonic explorations of Iranian Canadian duo Niyaz who will present their unique blend of world music, inspired by mystic Sufi sounds and Iranian folk over the bustle of modern electronica. The tempo is set to rise exponentially with an exciting collaboration, as JasbirJassi brings the earthy notes of Punjabi folk alongside Kutle Khan’s energetic Rajasthani folk. This will be the first time the two Indian folk heavyweights share a stage. These two exciting performances will make the evening all about the power of folk music and the fluidity of its expression.

The evening of 25th January will see the fiery Nooran Sisters showcase the power of their vocal-driven Sufi songs on the Jaipur Music Stage. They will be followed by folk-rock legends Indian Ocean doing what they do best: serenading crowds with their timeless tunes about India. These combustible sounds are sure to set the stage ablaze and bring to it the rich timbre of soulful folk. 

Fusion fever hits Jaipur Music Stage on the evening of 26th January as violin virtuoso Dr. L. Subramaniam unveils his brand new set, ‘Global Fusion’; an energetic celebration of modern music in Subramaniam’s inimitable style. MidivalPunditz, the original techno pioneers of India, will round off the evening’s entertainment with their pulsating electronica pulling from an eclectic variety of sounds.

On the evening of 27th January, the Jaipur Music Stage will celebrate the power of raw musical expression. Shillong blues masters Soulmate are the first act of the night, and are sure to get the crowd on their feet with their brand of fire-breathing, raw-as-nature blues. Next up is another unique collaboration which will see Australian live-looping wonderkid Dub FX share the stage with mesmerising Carnatic vocalist Mahesh Vinayakram. 

As a grand finale, DubFx, Soulmate and Mahesh Vinayakram will bring the curtain down with a collaboration like no other -- Carnatic, blues and beatboxing all on one stage.

Speaking about the festival, Sanjoy K. Roy, Managing Director of Teamwork Arts, producers of the Jaipur Music Stage, said, ‘The Jaipur Music Stage celebrates music in all its forms. From Carnatic to the Blues, and Punjabi to Sufi electro, we’ve got it all. This year, Jaipur will see unbelievable collaborations between diverse artistes, as well as workshops and a music bazaar, in against a vibrant carnival-like backdrop. Jaipur Music Stage is surely the place to be when the sun goes down.”

Apart from several electrifying evenings of performances, the Jaipur Music Stage will also feature workshops, masterclasses, talks and sessions, giving music-lovers a chance to interact with musicians, learn more about instruments and explore nuances within musical genres.

A music market with a range of merchandise including instruments, music technology, music from indie labels and other paraphernalia, will add sizzle to this unique medley of festivities. 

The Jaipur Music Stage is more than just a place for literature-enthusiasts to unwind after an exhilarating day of talks: it is a musical confluence opening audiences up to new sounds and experiences.