MUMBAI: A 29-year-old Argentinian musician who curiously goes by the name Ivan Singh promises to be a big draw on day one of the Mahindra Blues Festival on Saturday when he strums his unique four-stringed can-box slide guitar 'Lata da Batata (sweet potato can)'. Crafted from a potato tin box beyond the traditional style, its sound and melody is surprisingly reminiscent of the sitar.
"I guess it (Indian music) runs somewhere in my DNA," laughed the affable guitarist and singer whose ancestors had migrated from India before Singh was born and raised in Argentina.
The chirpy performer who moved to Chicago about a year ago condensed his life story into this crisp, seven-minute interview. "My great-great-grandfather left Indian shores around 120 years ago in search of a better life. He began by migrating to Brazil, and would you believe it, he walked all the way to Argentina! There he married a Spanish woman and later settled in Cordoba where I am from."
"I think my 'Singh' ancestors hailed from the Punjab province but I cannot be sure. My grandfather died when my mother was just four so she could not be certain of our entire family history. Yet, I have retained my Indian surname everywhere, including my social media accounts, to remain connected with my roots. My full name is Ivan Gomez Singh."
Standing on Mumbai's shores on Friday, Singh took pride in being the first in his family to return to India since they migrated generations ago. "I would love to stay longer, say one month, and explore the country and cuisine, but I am currently on tour. I have a concert scheduled in Chicago next week. I would like to learn Indian music someday," he said.
One of the songs he will play at Saturday's concert at Mehboob Studio translates as 'travel', which is a pastime the young musician enjoys.
His career as a Chicago Blues artiste has blossomed in the company of the legendary Buddy Guy, who is also performing in this festival, and John Primer. "I travelled through many countries from Sweden to Mexico before settling in Chicago. The blues scene there is so vibrant. We play every weekend - really, there could not be a better place for me! It is a university of blues and guitar," he gushed.
In addition to tours throughout Argentina, Ivan has played in nine countries across North America, Europe, Central and South America. He has also shared the stage with international artistes like Lurrie Bell, Jimmy Burns, Lil 'Ed Williams, Billy Branch, Omar Coleman, Robert Randolph, Chris Cain (Albert King) and Tony Coleman (BB King). His Argentinian music journey saw him partner with the likes of Charly Garcia, Pappo Blues Band and Don Vilanova Botafogo.
Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays, public holidays, and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.