JHALAA Debuts Live Raga Ensemble At Waves Summit
Experience live raga magic as JHALAA unites rich history and innovation on Mumbai’s stage.
With nearly two decades of experience in the media and entertainment industry, Preeti Jha is a creative producer and director known for her expertise in content creation, production management, and storytelling. Currently serving as a senior creative producer at IncNut Digital, Preeti plays a pivotal role in developing high-impact digital content, overseeing creative strategy, and managing production workflows.
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In a move that promises to redefine the modern concert experience while staying deeply rooted in tradition, JHALAA – a live raga-based music ensemble – is set to make its debut at the prestigious WAVES Summit in Mumbai on May 1. By reviving the soul of Indian classical music through a powerful fusion of historical compositions and vibrant contemporary energy, the ensemble is poised to mesmerize audiences with pure, live instrumentation and authentic performances.
Mumbai, a city that harmonizes its rich cultural past with modern dynamism, will soon play host to a historic musical event. JHALAA, drawn from the Hindustani classical lexicon where the term refers to the exhilarating climax of a raga, is aptly named to reflect the ensemble’s promise of an electrifying, fast-paced, and rhythmically intense musical finale. This debut at the WAVES Summit marks not only a celebration of traditional music but also an evolution that engages today’s audiences without the use of prerecorded tracks or digital layering.
With a lineup featuring 12 exceptionally talented musicians – six women (singers-dancers) and six men (singers and multi-instrumentalists) – JHALAA offers a unique blend of authenticity and innovation. Eschewing digital enhancements, each performance is a testament to the raw power of live sound. The ensemble’s approach highlights the original compositions from legendary Indian gharanas, including illustrious works by Padma Bhushan Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan Saab, Oothukkaadu Venkata Subbaiyyar, Guni Gandharva Pt. Laxmanprasad Jaipurwale, Padma Vibhushan Ghulam Mustafa Khan Saab, Kunwar Shyam Ji, and the saint Amir Khusrau Rahmatullah. To add a modern twist, additional compositions by A. R. Rahman infuse the program with contemporary character, amplifying its universal appeal.
The talented roster behind JHALAA is nothing short of impressive. Ambadi M. A, Mayuri Saha, Abby V, Antara Nandy, Sudeep Jaipurwale, Karamjeet Madonna, Jaydeep Vaidya, Sivasri Skandaprasad, Faiz Mustafa, Aishwarya Meenakshi, Steven Samuel Devassy, and Divya Nayar together bring decades of experience and passion to the stage. The project is guided by industry veterans, including Project Head Kannika Urs and Music Director Sai Shravanam. The vocal narrative is further enriched by the expertise of Vocal Supervisors Pt. Bhavdeep Jaipurwale and Dr. Narayanan K., while the overall sound is meticulously overseen by Music Supervisor Sarthak Kalyani.
At its core, JHALAA is more than just a musical act—it is a living homage to the history and emotional depth of Indian classical music. The ensemble’s name, emblematic of the high-energy climax in a traditional raga, hints at its dynamic performance style that leaves no room for compromise on quality. With every note, the musicians not only showcase the unique intricacies of classical compositions but also reinvigorate them for audiences who crave both heritage and novelty.
The live, unbridled nature of the performance is particularly significant. In an era dominated by digital soundscapes and heavily processed recordings, the decision to present compositions solely through live, unlayered instrumentation speaks volumes about the ensemble’s commitment to authenticity. This dedication ensures that every performance is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, a rare confluence of artistic tradition and modern live energy.
Integral to this initiative is its alignment with broader cultural movements and awards such as the Bharat Maestro Awards (BMA), highlighting the continued relevance and evolution of Indian classical music. The WAVES Summit, known for bringing together celebrated artists and innovators, provides the perfect platform for JHALAA. Fans of Indian music and newcomers alike are invited to witness this transformative performance that bridges generations and musical styles.
Related Instagram posts from the event’s official accounts underscore the ensemble’s journey. One post proudly proclaims, ‘Happy and proud to present a glimpse of the band #Jhalaa that was handpicked from global auditions to celebrate and uphold the rich traditions of Indian Classical music.’ This sentiment not only reinforces the ensemble’s elite credentials but also exemplifies the careful curation behind its formation. Moreover, the involvement of A. R. Rahman, a figure synonymous with musical innovation and excellence, as reflected in hashtag collaborations (#ARRahman, #BharatMaestroAwards), further amplifies the weight and promise behind this project.
As the WAVES Summit approaches, anticipation is building among classical aficionados and the broader music community. With JHALAA set to deliver a performance that is at once a tribute to timeless traditions and a bold step into contemporary expression, the event promises to create a lasting impact on the cultural landscape. Listeners can look forward to an immersion in sound that is both soul-stirring and vibrantly modern, a celebration of Indian heritage expressed with unparalleled passion and precision.
In conclusion, JHALAA’s debut is a landmark affair that encapsulates the essence of Indian classical music while embracing innovative performance techniques. Its launch at the WAVES Summit in Mumbai is not just a concert—it is a cultural statement, heralding a new age where tradition and modernity perform in perfect unison.
As audiences prepare for the event, the excitement is palpable, and the stage is set for a performance that will resonate long after the last note is played.
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