Why do we need to nurture folk music?

A melodious journey by folk artists, a journey that carries the sounds and intricacies of our shared oral history and musical heritage. Over time, folk music has evolved, adapted and woven into the fabric of our contemporary realities, and yet it remains true to its raw roots and natural essence, arousing intense emotions in the hearts of listeners and making us Inspires with its seductive spirit. , For folk artists traveling between many genres, this cherished craft is a form of expression. Sometimes, this music becomes a symbol of one’s identity and turns into a medium that has the power to articulate the artist’s adoration for their community, land, traditions and history.

Timelessness is what defines this exquisite form of art. Whether it is devotional songs, the pain of separation, the art of embellishment, or a passionate endeavor, folk music celebrates the many layers of human emotion and often transcends linguistic and cultural barriers, creating a deeper connection with our innermost feelings. is formed.

place for artists

But what is vital to the survival of this exemplary art form is its representation in popular culture through the staging of artists, who carry on the legacy of their traditions and help keep folk music alive, transmitting its knowledge, and passing through generations. Responsible for passing the techniques through. , It is our responsibility to create inclusive spaces for folk artists and their crafts.

Teamwork Arts, an initiative of I Believe Art Matters, not only by providing them with a platform, but also by providing them with vital resources to sustain their existence. This year, Art Matters has launched its folk edition, bringing to the limelight a group of outstanding artists from different states of India.

Baul artist Kanai Das | photo credit: special arrangement

There is a sense of memory and nostalgia attached to folk music – stories of old and forgotten stories are told and re-told. It is important to keep this musical form alive even in modern times. In folk music, artists seek and express their own stories and it is important to give them the opportunity to continue doing so. These songs and instruments sung in every nook and corner of India bring us closer to our culture, and at the same time remind us, which inspire us to preserve and remember this form of intangible heritage: folk Matters, friends!

The author is a renowned violinist, composer and conductor.