Songs from the Desert of Pakistan: Mai Dhai

US DEBUT!

This concert marks a rare opportunity to hear Rajasthani music from Pakistan featuring Mai Dhai, a traditional Manganiyar singer and dhol player from the Thar Desert region. Her driving percussion and other-worldly voice evoke the ancient rhythms of the subcontinent.

The Manganiyars are a caste of Muslim musicians who traditionally performed for the kings of Rajasthan. Their repertoire ranges from ballads about the kings to Sufi songs written by various mystics as well as songs for occasions such as birth, marriage, rains, and feasts. Even though they are classified as folk musicians, the Manganiyars’ music is classical and can be considered a root of classical music in the Indian subcontinent.

Dhai will be joined by her ensemble of three on percussion (tabla and dholak) and harmonium.

Curated and produced by Isabel Soffer/LiveSounds.org

Live@365 is made possible by the generous support of the Baisley Powell Elebash Fund.