In July, Mumbai-based art rock band Daira released their new album ‘Jadoo Bastar’, in collaboration with local musicians from Chhattisgarh. The project, featuring five songs, represents a blend of rock and traditional folk music sung in local tribal languages like Halbi and Gondi.
The inspiration for this project was sparked during a 2022 live performance by Daira in Bastar, which led to an unexpected yet harmonious collaboration between the band and local artists.
According to the MusiCulture and Rolling Stone India, the album’s tracks, including ‘Bailadila’ and ‘Gaye Chari Gala’, combine traditional sounds and rhythms of the region with Daira’s rock sensibilities, creating a unique sonic experience. Each song is carefully crafted to reflect the heritage of the Bastar region while infusing modern rock elements. Daira worked closely with musicians like Lakheshwar Khudaram, who shared his passion for preserving his cultural roots amidst the changing music tastes of the youth.
Through ‘Jadoo Bastar’, Daira aims to challenge common perceptions of Bastar. The album’s music videos, shot in Bastar, not only accompany the songs but also offer visuals of the region’s untouched beauty and vibrant cultural landscape, contradicting its often negative portrayal in the media.
To complement the album, Daira has also released an hour-long documentary that chronicles their journey in Bastar, highlighting the collaboration with local artists and the exchange of musical traditions. This documentary captures both the creative process and the personal stories of the local musicians involved, bringing the culture and spirit of Bastar to a global audience.
The album ‘Jadoo Bastar‘ and its accompanying documentary stand as a testament to the power of music to bridge cultural gaps and showcase the beauty of regions like Bastar, which are often misunderstood.