Tune in to new Independence Day songs by (clockwise from left) Mame Khan, Arunaja and Ricky Kej. Photos: Ranthambore Festival (Khan), Press pic (Kej), Ara Alexander (Arunaja)
The Folk Orchestra of Rajasthan by Mame Khan – “Vande Mataram”
Rajasthani vocal powerhouse Mame Khan has spread his wings wide for years now. Among his projects is The Folk Orchestra. The ensemble setup have been performing around the country for about a year now, including the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre in Mumbai. With their live rendition of “Vande Mataram,” Khan and his Rajasthani folk vocalists and instrumentalists add their unmatched soulfulness.
Akhil OSO – “Simon Go Back”
It may have been 77 years since India got its freedom from the British, but rappers like Akhil OSO are here to remind us of the often unacknowledged damage and exploitation brought upon by India’s colonization. The Bengaluru hip-hop artist marks Independence Day with “Simon Go Back,” a stark rap about the intentions of the British empire. “My ancestors stood up to the colonial empire, and one of the ways they did it was through the Simon Go Back movement. This project is dedicated to them,” he says.
Various Artists – “Desh Ek Raag”
ITC Sangeet Research Academy brings together over 25 musicians for a concise but variety-filled track called “Desh Ek Raag,” one that surprisingly starts with more Western instruments like guitar (acoustic and electric), piano and drums. Drawing from “Vande Mataram” as well as other songs, the four-minute track packs in instrumentation including mridangam, violin, sarod, sitar, sarangi and vocalists.
Arunaja & Pétur Sakari – “Vande Mataram”
While in Finland for her tour, Mumbai-based singer-songwriter Arunaja teamed up with seasoned organist Pétur Sakari for a serene, rooted new version of “Vande Mataram.” If you need to know the sonic spectrum to which the patriotic song by Bakim Chandra Chatterjee can be adapted, look no further. Arunaja scales angelic highs in the church acoustics, as does Sakari’s understated work behind the organ.
Sushant Divgikar aka Rani Ko-He-Nur and Mayur Jumani – “Made In India 2.0”
A team-up between producer Mayur Jamani and Sushant Divgikar aka Rani Ko-He-Nur leads to a new version of Alisha Chinai’s Indi-pop hit “Made In India.” It’s not one of the most popular song choices for Independence Day but it works just as well, because Jumani adds nimble jaltarang-like percussive hits and juxtaposes it with hard-hitting, clubby beats. Divgikar, for her part, just does what she does best, alternating between her distinctive vocal tones for an entertaining listen.
Binny Sharma, Freedom Sharma – “Vande Mataram”
Described by the artist Binny Sharma as “a power anthem,” his version of “Vande Mataram” adds new lyrics in Hindi and English, with singer Freedom Sharma. This version gives a new twist and perhaps some more accessibility (not that “Vande Mataram” needed it). Sharma says in a description for the peppy tune, “The idea behind ‘Vande Mataram’ was born out of a deep reflection on the journey our nation has undergone. We’ve faced numerous challenges, yet we’ve risen above them with unwavering determination.”
Ricky Kej – “National Anthem of Bharat (India)”
Making sure each project is bigger than his last, Grammy-winning Bengaluru-based composer-producer Ricky Kej claims a Guinness World Record with his latest rendition of the Indian national anthem. Kej enlists the help of 14,000 tribal school kids, the 100-member Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Indian classical stalwarts including Hariprasad and Rakesh Chaurasia, Rahul Sharma, Jayanthi Kumaresh, Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash, Sheik & Kaleeshabi Mahaboob and Giridhar Udupa for a version that proves just how timeless the composing and lyrical prowess of Rabindranath Tagore can be.
