This Rajasthani singer relives his childhood Chennai memories

The breezy Saturday evening last weekend was infused with soulful Rajasthani folk and Sufi fusion when Mame Khan, the main vocalist of the famous theatrical concert Manganiyar Seduction by Roysten Abel, along with his troupe performed at a mall in Velachery. The audience felt as if they were transported to Rajasthan, listening to the musicians. The show brought alive Rajasthani culture and tradition, thanks to the energy of the musicians and the way they were dressed up in vibrant colours.The musicians kick-started the show with a popular folk song of Thar desert, Kesariya Balam. It was followed by a few Bollywood numbers and even a few lines of the evergreen Tamil song, Uyirae Uyirae, by Hariharan. To the delight of the audi- ence, Mame Khan also performed numbers they requested for. Soon after the show, he sat for a quick chat with us and opened up on how connected he’s with Chennai, folk music, his new project, etc.
MUSIC RUNS IN THE BLOOD OF EVERY MANGANIYAR
This is my fourth visit to Chennai. I remember that I was a little boy when I first came to the city, holding my father’s hand. Back then, I had the honour of performing with him. It was at least 16 years ago. I can’t really express the feeling that I had within me whenever I got a chance to perform with my father and guru, the late Shri Rana Khan. I am lucky that I was born in a family which is soaked in music all the time. Music runs in the blood of every Manganiyar (a community from Rajasthan).
WE’LL NEVER LET IT BECOME A DYING ART
I am glad that there are so many people who enjoy folk music even today. Thanks to other musicians like me, who relentlessly try to keep the folk music traditions alive by taking it to
different parts of the world. No matter in what language one sings, folk music has that appeal to catch the attention of every music lover. Artistes like me will never allow folk music to slip into a state where it is considered a dying art.
NO SPECIFIC TIME FOR PRACTICE
There are musicians who practise for stipulated time every day. That’s not my style.We Manganiyars practise wherever and whenever possible. Now, with all technological advancement,practice time or place is not restricted at all. I even practise at airports. I always carry my electronic music tuner with me and it allows me to practise anywhere, anytime.
CHENNAI IS MY FAVOURITE VENUE
I’ve always received good response for my music in Chennai. This city has always been my favourite destination to perform in,for,it is the land of art and music.The city has produced several big musicians like AR Rahman, someone whom I look up to with great respect. I want to sing for Rahman sir at least once. As an artiste, I feel connected to the city.
I AM A PERFECTIONIST
I am quite critical of my work,just like how my father used to be. All my band members are quite young, all below 30. When on the stage, I maintain an eye-coordination with them throughout the performance to ensure that everything goes perfect. Being a Manganiyar, we are perfectionists by default;can’t take any- thing that sounds off key.
NEW ALBUM…
I am working on a new video single. The focus will be on flamenco and modern elements. Of course, it will be based on folk and Sufi style.