Indian folk concert to be staged in Dubai

Indian folk and Sufi musicians, including noted artists Prahlad Tipanya and Madan Gopal Singh, will perform in Dubai on April 13 as part of the fourth edition of the Mystic Melange series.

The event, which will be held at Centrepoint Theatre, Mall of the Emirates, is part of a community drive to bring traditional performances to the fore in the UAE.

The two-part concert will open with Tipanya’s performance, aided by his group as they render songs penned by the 15th century Indian poet, Kabir.

Known for his Malwi style of singing that is authentic to the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, Tipanya will be accompanied by artists playing both traditional and Western instruments including the dholak (folk drum), the harmonium, and the violin; Tipanya himself plays the tambura (stringed instrument) and the khartal (percussion instrument).

The second act will feature Chaar Yaar, the Faquiri Quartet led by Sufi singer, composer, poet, screenwriter and film theorist Gopal Singh.

Guitarist and banjo player Deepak Castelino, sarod player Pritam Ghosal and percussionist Amjad Khan are the other artist collaborators that make up Chaar Yaar.

Tickets for the concert start at Dh75. Doors for the concert open at 7pm.