The last two days of my survey of Indian music, I looked at Desi musicians influenced by hip-hop. Quite frankly, if you live in the U.S. and you’re not part of that community, in recent years you probably ran across Indian music in some “World music” context. At its worst, that form is lame jazz or limp “chill-out” with a touch of sitar or wailing vocals. Like new age muzak with a buzz cut. I’m not trying to harsh on your vibe, I’m just saying…
Makyo is actually a guy named Gio, who lives in Japan, but he’s not Japanese and he plays Indian-influenced music. In the early Eighties, Gio lived in Kyoto, studying zen and playing in hardcore punk bands. Then, he moved on to Taipei and Boston, playing in so-called “psychedelic Branca-influenced guitar ensembles.” Since 1993, Gio has been a regular DJ on Tokyo’s club scene, playing what he calls “zen dub.”
Or another possibility is DJ Baba G, the creator of Goa Trance. Here, he collaborates with Dan “The Automator” Nakamura on a remix of Qawwali vocalist Badar Ali Khan’s song “Black Night.” Badar is from Pakistan; his older cousin Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was the most famous Qawwali singer. Baba is from the Goa province in India. He grew up hearing Sufi qawwali music and club music and combined them. Here is a 2002 profile of Baba.
So, what is the lesson here? Gio and Baba are both interested in spirituality. Both have taken traditional music and combined it with a club aesthetic. It’s tempting here to try to find authenticity and praise that, or fail to find it and decry that. Listen, if you want to go there, wait ’til you hear the songs for the next two days. Just listen to these songs and let me know what you think.
Makyo – Devadesi (Mantra Mix)
Badar Ali Khan – Black Night (DJ Baba & Dan the Automator Remix)
Tags: Makyo, Gio, Badar Ali Khan, DJ Baba G, Dan “The Automator” Nakamura, MP3s
4 Responses
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hindsagar Says:
I hate this picture & I hate this Artist,Artical
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Bharat Says:
Dear Sir
I happened to be on this page while surfing net. I would like to humbly request you – Please remove that image. It is picturing Lord Ganesha, Lord of wisdom and directions. He is the first deity all Hindus worship.
The image is not correct as per spiritual science. You can learn more about it at – http://www.hindujagruti.org/ganeshfest/index.php?id=3
and http://www.hindujagruti.org/denigration
We humbly request you to correct this picture.
Awaiting the reply.
With regards
Bharat -
Dhruv Says:
The use of Lord Ganesha for commercial purpose is objectionable and distortion of the form is causing its denigration. This has hurt my religious sentiments. I appeal that this picture is immediately withdrawn and an apology tendered for hurting of religious sentiments.
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Jasvant Singh Says:
The use of Load Ganesha for comercial purpose is bad and distoration o this kind is causing denigraton. This hurt my religious sentiments. I demand to remove this picture imidiaely and tender an apology.