Folk fusion has become a noticeable trend in the country’s current music arena. To common people, the phrase ‘folk fusion’ almost invariably refers to a mode of fusing western instruments with folk songs in order to create an urban temperament and taste. However, eminent flutist and folk singer Bari Siddiqui, who claims to be working on folk fusion through infusing folk songs and classical raga, slightly disapproves of this notion as disclosed in an interview with New Age.
He says, ‘there might be songs that can be fused in a way to give it a Western touch; but not every folk song can be treated as such.’
Appreciating the attempts of a few young singers and composers, he says, ‘First, one needs to understand the fundamentals and flow of folk music, then one can experiment with other tunes and instruments that can be fused together’.
Observing the characteristics of folk songs, he says, ‘In general, the tunes of most of the Bengali folk songs are similar to that of the raga Khambaz. And if one wants to fuse other elements, or ragas, he/she has to understand what works well with Khambaz, or the particular song and how much of it can be taken.’
Drawing example from his own fusion compositions, he says, ‘In rojoni hoishna oboshan, a typical folk song by Chan Mia, I selectively took tunes from raga Bhairabi and Bilaskani. But I have been careful not to lose the original temperament of the song.’
‘In shwachan pakhi and ami ekta jinda laash I incorporated Vimpalashi and Charukeshi ragas respectively’, he professed. What is most needed in fusion work, Bari Siddiqui says, is to have ‘the right sense of proportion and a critical ear’.
His intention in folk fusion, he says, is to make this genre appeal to all. Hence, he fuses tunes from prominent north Indian ragas with folk songs. ‘To attract people from all walks of life, fusion is a good way; but a very industrious, meticulous singer-composer is needed for this indeed,’ says the folk singer.
Bari Siddiqui humbly shares, ‘I am trying to do fusion with folk songs, only as much as my capability allows me’.
-With New Age input
