Barmer Boys are the next generation of performers that carry forward the centuries-old musical traditions of the Manganiyars. The global ambassadors of Rajasthani folk and Sufi music, the trio’s versatility of styles and bubbling energy infuses each performance – from soulful Sufi Kalaams and Krishna bhajans, to uplifting wedding and celebratory songs, boisterous jams with beatboxing.
The group formed in 2011 at the Amarrass Desert Music Festival and made their international debut in 2014 with a US tour, showcase at Borneo World Music Festival, and Roskilde Festival. With over 200 concerts in 15 countries and 7 international tours, Barmer Boys have performed at major festivals in Europe, North America, and Asia such as Roskilde (2014), Wassermusik (2015, 2017), Winnipeg Folk Festival (2015), and many more.
At home in India, Barmer Boys have featured at Mood Indigo, Bacardi NH7 Weekender, Ziro Festival of Music, Jaipur Lit Fest.
The trio has featured on MTV CokeStudio, BBC, NPR, and have released three albums to critical acclaim – ‘At Home’ (2012, Amarrass Records, 4 Stars in Songlines), ‘Kesariya Balm’ (2017, Amarrass Records) debuted on the Transglobal World Music Charts Top 40, and ‘Live in Berlin’ (2020, Amarrass Records).
The past decade has seen Barmer Boys evolve into a mature band with a powerful stage presence and enduring sound. At its core remains the powerful Sufi voice of lead vocalist Manga, and steady rhythm of Magada on dholak, with 21-year-old Sawai Khan with his percussive antics on morchang, bhapang, khartal and yes! Beatboxing! A skill the youngster learnt by watching Barmer Boys videos on YouTube and WhatsApp – truly folk with attitude, 21st century folk!
Manga – vocals, harmonium
Magada Khan – dholak
Sawai Khan – morchang, khartal, bhapang, beatboxing
Ankur Malhotra/Ashutosh Sharma – Sound/Manager