MUMBAI: India with its diversity is a treasure for music and culture. Every nook and corner has something special for the music lover. Baul sangeet of West Bengal is one such hidden gem. The numbers of performers of Baul sangeet are fast receding, but there are a few who are still performing authentic Baul Sangeet. Kartick Das Baul from West Bengal is one such Baul performer. Having learnt from Devdas Baul, Kartick Das Baul went on to perform in countries like Japan, UK, Germany and many more.

“Baul sangeet is present since Buddhism. It’s a very interesting form of art. However, the audience is depleting. The art form in itself is very vast and intricate. It can go on and on forever,” says Kartick.

Drawing parallels with Indian Classical Music, he says, “Even Baul sangeet has time defining presentations just like Indian classical music. There is similar raag base like Bhairaavi, Shivranajini, but mainly it’s a different art form.”

Speaking about the current condition, the artiste who has travelled the globe with his art form explains, “I don’t know the future, what will happen 10 years down the line. As of now, there are few performers of Baul in India or for that matter any folk music.”

About the current generation, he states, “There is a lot of talent in India, but they are vanishing. There is no authenticity left; everything is in the remix zone. Nothing is original.”

Following the mystic minstrel tradition of Bengal, he sings the verses of fabled Lalon Fakir.  He is a well-established performer across India, who has worked with various world music organizations in Japan, Berlin, and the US for their music festivals.

Under an initiative by RED FM Kartick will be performing at Nico Park, Kolkata on 26 May 2018. He will be brings an eclectic curation of music called the ‘The Yellow Taxi Music Project’. The event will see a stupendous line up of indigenous artists – Arko’s Fiddler’s Green, Tirtha, Kartick Das Baul along with headlining acts from the Sufi maestros Nizami Bandhu and The Manganiyar Seduction. ‘The Yellow Taxi Music Project’ will transport the audience to an enchanting realm of experimental music.

Reconnecting the audience with their roots, this festival explores the genre of distinguished folk music infused with world music repertoire. Along with unwinding to soulful melodies, everyone can enjoy scrumptious dishes and shop from the lively flea market at the arena. So, break away from your mundane routine and soak up the happy vibe of ‘The Yellow Taxi Music Project’!

The Baul Sangeet artiste is elated to perform at the festival, “I am happy such initiatives are taken. Not just me but there are folk musicians across the India who would be performing. Each state in India has a type of music which is worth appreciating. We must do everything to preserve it.”

What: THE YELLOW TAXI MUSIC PROJECT

When: A day-long musical celebration on 26 May 2018

Where: Nicco Park from 12pm