Global Roots Music Meets Heritage: The 17th Jodhpur RIFF

The 17th edition of Jodhpur RIFF will feature international and Indian musicians performing at the historic Mehrangarh Fort from October 16-20. The festival will showcase diverse roots music, dance, and theatre performances, promoting cross-cultural collaborations and highlighting Rajasthani folk music's rich heritage.

The 17th edition of Jodhpur RIFF is set to bring together celebrated roots musicians from France, Norway, South Korea, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, Azerbaijan, Canada, and Estonia, who will perform alongside Indian legends and masters. The festival, to be held at the historic Mehrangarh Fort, will kick off on October 16, as announced by the organizers on Thursday.

This year's event is expected to host over 280 musicians from around the world and India. Notable performers include French electronica artist Eric Mouquet, the Norwegian Sami music ensemble Gabba, Estonian folk stars Puuluup, and Indian artists such as composer-singer Sona Mohapatra, the Warsi Brothers, legendary Rajasthani musician Meherdeen Khan Langa, and Koodiyattam maestro Kapila Venu.

According to festival director Divya Bhatia, Jodhpur RIFF has been a pioneer in the Indian roots music scene for 17 years. The festival's lineup continues to reflect its commitment to fostering a diverse and collaborative musical heritage. Highlights include performances by the Manganiyar musicians of Marwar, rising Rajasthani roots music group SAZ, Hindustani classical vocalists Anuja Zokarkar and Barnali Chattopadhyay, bhakti singer Kaluram Bamaniya, and many others. The event will also present unique collaborations between different genres of dance, music, and theatre, making it a rich and varied celebration of global roots music.