Watch indie band perform folk music with a Sufi touch in Mumbai

Chandigarh-based Folktronica band Hari & Sukhmani performance at Blue Frog.

Have you ever heard of a dubstep version of a folk song? Punjabi folk electronica act Hari & Sukhmani have a dubstep version of a traditional folk song Challa that has won them many fans. This weekend, the two-piece band from Chandigarh, comprising Sukhmani Malik, a trained Hindustani classical vocalist and producer Hari Singh Jaaj, will be performing in the city.

Last week, Hari & Sukhmani released the video for their new single Yaariyan, which features a collaboration with Pakistani pop band Noori.

The band is known for their on-stage energy and unique sound which fuses traditional Punjabi folk music with ambient beats. They offer a folktronica take on words by Sufi greats such as Bulleh Shah and Kabir and bring together lo-fi electronica with high-energy folk music.

Last week, the duo released the video for their new single Yaariyan, a song as the same suggests, about friendship, which sees them collaborate with Pakistani pop band Noori. At their concert, expect to listen to Yaariyan besides other soulful Punjabi tracks mixed with powerful beats such as Madhaniyan and Boohey Bariyan.

Making soul-stirring songs that make folk music accessible to a younger audience, it’s their power to rejig traditional folks songs that won them a strong (and growing) fanbase and made them staples on shows such as The Dewarists and Coke Studio.

WHAT: Hari & Sukhmani tour

WHERE: Blue Frog, Lower Parel

WHEN: Saturday, 10 pm onwards

CALL: 6158-6158

ENTRY: ₹600 or ₹1,500 full cover; Free entry for women

WATCH: The band’s single Yaariyan