Team ‘The Outsiders’
05th Aug 2024
Team ‘The Outsiders’
05th Aug 2024
Daira, the art-rock band from Mumbai, embarked on an extraordinary journey to Bastar in 2022. This trip, initially planned for a rock concert, evolved into a groundbreaking cultural project titled "Jaadoo Bastar." The band's visit not only introduced them to the traditional folk music of Bastar but also led to an inspiring collaboration with local musicians. "Every day about this project, each and every moment spent in the span of six days was memorable and will be forever etched in our memories," the band members recalled.
The collaboration wasn't without challenges. Bridging cultural and linguistic barriers with local musicians proved to be a significant hurdle. "There was some resistance in the beginning from some locals who thought that a modern band might ‘remix’ and show their culture in a way that doesn’t represent the authenticity," the band admitted. However, the shared passion for music and art eventually led to a magical bond between Daira and the folk musicians of Bastar.
Each track on "Jaadoo Bastar" tells a unique story. One such track, "Iya Kaye Hajari | Mere Jaisa Hi," is a soulful melody in the Halbi dialect, celebrating the tradition of 'Meet Bandhana,' where lifelong bonds are formed beyond blood ties. The song's Hindi lyrics remind us that relationships transcend religion and boundaries, emphasizing the sacred connections that bind us together. Another notable track, "Laal Pungaad | Meri Jaan," is a Gondi melody depicting a playful banter between a girl named Maase and a boy named Bheema. The song beautifully portrays the depth of love, surpassing material wealth and fame.
The project also includes music videos and a documentary showcasing Bastar's breathtaking landscapes and cultural richness. "Bastar has always been perceived in a bad or a threatening light," Daira explained. "When we visited Bastar for the first time, we were not only spellbound by the art but also the beauty of the tribal land." Through their visuals, Daira aims to highlight the serene and enchanting vibes of Bastar, hoping to change its perception and celebrate its brilliance.
Looking ahead, Daira sees "Jaadoo Bastar" as a stepping stone for future projects. "We are currently in the process of taking this IP to the world. We want to take the musicians of Bastar and tour with them as much as possible," they revealed. The band remains committed to exploring other regions of India and collaborating with more traditional musicians, continuing their journey of cultural fusion and musical innovation.
Daira, the art-rock band from Mumbai, embarked on an extraordinary journey to Bastar in 2022. This trip, initially planned for a rock concert, evolved into a groundbreaking cultural project titled "Jaadoo Bastar." The band's visit not only introduced them to the traditional folk music of Bastar but also led to an inspiring collaboration with local musicians. "Every day about this project, each and every moment spent in the span of six days was memorable and will be forever etched in our memories," the band members recalled.
The collaboration wasn't without challenges. Bridging cultural and linguistic barriers with local musicians proved to be a significant hurdle. "There was some resistance in the beginning from some locals who thought that a modern band might ‘remix’ and show their culture in a way that doesn’t represent the authenticity," the band admitted. However, the shared passion for music and art eventually led to a magical bond between Daira and the folk musicians of Bastar.
Each track on "Jaadoo Bastar" tells a unique story. One such track, "Iya Kaye Hajari | Mere Jaisa Hi," is a soulful melody in the Halbi dialect, celebrating the tradition of 'Meet Bandhana,' where lifelong bonds are formed beyond blood ties. The song's Hindi lyrics remind us that relationships transcend religion and boundaries, emphasizing the sacred connections that bind us together. Another notable track, "Laal Pungaad | Meri Jaan," is a Gondi melody depicting a playful banter between a girl named Maase and a boy named Bheema. The song beautifully portrays the depth of love, surpassing material wealth and fame.
The project also includes music videos and a documentary showcasing Bastar's breathtaking landscapes and cultural richness. "Bastar has always been perceived in a bad or a threatening light," Daira explained. "When we visited Bastar for the first time, we were not only spellbound by the art but also the beauty of the tribal land." Through their visuals, Daira aims to highlight the serene and enchanting vibes of Bastar, hoping to change its perception and celebrate its brilliance.
Looking ahead, Daira sees "Jaadoo Bastar" as a stepping stone for future projects. "We are currently in the process of taking this IP to the world. We want to take the musicians of Bastar and tour with them as much as possible," they revealed. The band remains committed to exploring other regions of India and collaborating with more traditional musicians, continuing their journey of cultural fusion and musical innovation.