Is Jhalaa the Future of Classically Inspired Music at WAVES Summit?
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Synopsis
Get ready for an extraordinary musical experience as Jhalaa makes its debut at the WAVES Summit! This talented ensemble combines traditional raga music with a contemporary flair, promising to captivate audiences with their immersive performances. Don’t miss this celebration of India's rich musical heritage!
Key Takeaways
- Jhalaa combines traditional raga music with contemporary styles.
- The ensemble consists of 12 skilled musicians, including both genders.
- Curated by A. R. Rahman, the project aims to celebrate India's musical heritage.
- Live performances will feature unique compositions from iconic gharanas.
- The WAVES Summit launch is expected to attract high-profile attendees, including the Prime Minister.
Mumbai, April 28 (NationPress) The eagerly anticipated WAVES Summit is set to captivate audiences with a stellar roster of India's premier artists. It has now been confirmed that Jhalaa, a raga-centric music ensemble, will be showcased at this prominent event in Mumbai on May 1.
Jhalaa comprises a talented group of 12 musicians, including 6 women (singers-dancers) and 6 men (singers & multi-instrumentalists). This ensemble artfully merges raga-based music with a modern twist, making this rich tradition both accessible and profoundly resonant for contemporary audiences.
This revolutionary project serves as the flagship initiative of the Bharat Maestro(a) Awards, which were established earlier this year by the iconic A. R. Rahman to honor India's musical legacy and support the upcoming generation of classical musicians.
Curation of the ensemble was undertaken by Rahman, who selected artists through a global talent search that attracted over 500 submissions. It features some of the finest young talents trained in Indian classical music and dance.
“In the glorious epochs of Indian classical music, ragas were inspired by nature, seasons, and the ebb and flow of human emotions. JHALAA aims to revive that connection, offering an immersive experience that integrates the moods of nature and the rhythms of life into every performance,” stated Khatija Rahman, an award-winning composer. Together with music director & BMA’s Advisory Board Member Sai Shravanam and Kannika Urs, Project Head of Jhalaa & Head of KM Musiq, they have diligently worked to realize this vision.
Jhalaa promises to deliver only live, natural instrumentation, without pre-recorded tracks or digital enhancements. Each performance will showcase the raw, powerful essence of distinctive compositions from renowned gharanas of India, including pieces by Padma Bhushan Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan Saab, Oothukkaadu Venkata Subbaiyyar, Guni Gandharva Pt. Laxmanprasad Jaipurwale, Padma Vibhushan Ghulam Mustafa Khan Saab, Kunwar Shyam Ji, and the revered Amir Khusrau Rahmatullah, as well as additional works by Rahman.
The launch event is expected to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is anticipated to witness the ensemble’s inaugural performance at the WAVES Summit.
“The music of Jhalaa is crafted with meticulous attention to broaden the audience for Indian classical art forms. Our objective is to reignite a profound passion for raga-based music in the hearts of young Indians and global audiences alike. By forming this collective, we are exploring endless possibilities to discover new combinations of Indian sound,” Khatija added.
Point of View
I view the debut of Jhalaa at the WAVES Summit as a pivotal moment in India's musical landscape. This initiative not only honors our rich classical traditions but also paves the way for a new generation of artists who can bridge the gap between tradition and modernity. The involvement of luminaries like A. R. Rahman adds significant credibility to this project, reinforcing the importance of celebrating India's cultural heritage while embracing innovation.
NationPress
27/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jhalaa?
Jhalaa is a raga-based music ensemble featuring 12 talented musicians that blends traditional raga music with contemporary elements.
When and where will Jhalaa perform?
Jhalaa will perform at the WAVES Summit in Mumbai on May 1.
Who curated Jhalaa?
The ensemble is curated by the music legend A. R. Rahman.
What type of music will Jhalaa present?
Jhalaa will showcase live, all-natural instrumentation without digital enhancements, featuring compositions from renowned Indian gharanas.
Is the Prime Minister attending the event?
Yes, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the inaugural performance of Jhalaa at the WAVES Summit.
