Desert beats

Jodhpur RIFF 2025 brings together local folk legends and international virtuosos

- Narendra Kusnur

Once again, Jodhpur is gearing up to experience the magic of roots music from around the world.

Rajasthani folk artistes will get together with musicians from other parts of India and international virtuosos at the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort for the annual Jodhpur RIFF festival.

To be held from October 2 to 6, the event will feature Indian artistes like the Cool Desert Project, which is a collaboration between Rajasthani trio SAZ and Mumbai saxophonist Rhys Sebastian, santoor exponent Satish Vyas, Carnatic fusion band Jatayu, the Dangi sisters of the Damani community of Rajasthan, Sindhi sarangi player Lakha Khan and Sufi singer Sawan Khan who hails from the Manganiyar community of Jaisalmer. The international artistes include Basel Rajoub, a saxophonist of Syrian origin, Uzbekistani singer Gulzoda, Portuguese fado singer Helder Moutinho and Colombian DJ and producer Killabeatmaker.

Since its in 2007, Jodhpur RIFF has played a critical role in popularising Rajasthani folk music in other parts of India and even abroad. Festival director Divya Bhatia points out that around 18 years ago, many lay listeners outside Rajasthan were unaware of the names of major artistes from the region. "Jodhpur RIFF gave a platform to many musicians. Bhanwari Devi got on to Coke Studio only after performing at Jodhpur RIFF. For a number of years, we helped Kutle Khan in his collaborations with London singer Susheela Raman. Today, people follow the music of big names like Kutle Khan and the festival has played a major role in that," he says.