‘Music is a universal language'

by ASJAD NAZIR

BROTHERS WASIM AND SHAHRUKH AHMED JAIPURI ON CARRYING ON A FAMILY LEGACY

SOME of the best-kept musical secrets have been hidden in the rural heartlands of India across dif­ferent generations.

A perfect example of this is a marvellous musical family from Udaipur in Rajasthan, whose impressive lineage stretches back for years. Today they are skil­fully combining Sufi music rooted in centuries-old tradition with modern-day contemporary sounds.

Son of classical maestro Ustad Aziz Khan Jaipuri, Rasheed Ahmed Jaipuri is the head of the family and has performed alongside the biggest names in Indian music around the world.

His sons Wasim Ahmed Jaipuri and Shahrukh Ahmed Jaipuri are carrying forward the legacy by leading acclaimed group Earth Band, which they set up for the family to perform music aimed at a uni­versal audience.

Eastern Eye caught up with Wasim and Shahrukh to talk about their musical legacy, Earth Band, family tradition, live performance and more...

What is your earliest memory of being con­nected to music?

Wasim: We were born into a family of musicians. All our ancestors were into music and were great achievers of their time. So they left us a lasting legacy and something great to aspire to. So we grew up in that musical environment. Music is the very first thing I learnt in my life. I started learning tabla and then gradually learnt singing along with other in­struments like harmonium and drum.

Shahrukh: Belonging to a musical family with a long lineage is such a blessing. Our ancestors were the best in their times. So we saw music all around growing up. I started learning music at an early age. I learnt tabla initially and then slowly got into music completely.

Wasim: Music is in our blood.

Shahrukh: Seeing music around us was so inspira­tional. Either it was morning riyaaz or when I came back from school dad was practicing. I remember my father and grandfather had lots of students who came to learn music from them, so I used to sit with them to learn instruments and to sing.

What is the biggest lesson you learned from your father?

Shahrukh: My father always taught me whatever you do in life, do it with your heart and soul. And that is what I imbibed in my life. I am doing my music with my heart and soul.

Wasim: Sing with your heart, live for others, spread and love music. He also taught us that music is the language of peace, love and harmony. These lessons have remained with me throughout my life.

How did you feel performing live for the first time?

Wasim: It was one of the best feelings ever, I felt my­self come alive in that moment. The very first public performance with my band was in Hotel Dez India in Udaipur. How can I forget that night! We all were so nervous, but at the same time very excited to perform live together for the very first time. It was an amazing experience.

Shahrukh: Performing live has given me my life’s most amazing experience, includ­ing the first time. The only thing that I keep in my mind while performing in front of people is that I am here to bring happi­ness to them.

What made you start the Earth Band?

Wasim: Earth Band came into existence in 2012. It was initially the creation of my brother Shahrukh and I. Initially we used to sing alone or just the two of us, but then we thought why not connect with like mind­ed people who are passionate about music like us and create a band. We start­ed to connect with others and that is how the band started.

Shahrukh: We thought as a collective we could reach more people and expand our musical hori­zons further. My brother and I worked on this idea and created the band with people we deeply con­nected with.

What kind of music does the band play?

Shahrukh: All kinds of music, but we specialise in Sufi.

Which of the bands achievements are you most proud of?

Shahrukh: There have been so many memora­ble moments, especially when we have per­formed live. It gives us immense pleasure and pride when peo­ple appreciate and recognise us. I think making a soulful connection with our audiences is our greatest achieve­ment. On a personal level, I was perform­ing at hotel Radisson Blu in Udaipur and my father was sitting in the audience. That was a moment of immense pride for me.

Which songs do you as a band en­joy playing most?

Wasim: We enjoy ghazals and Sufi music because it connects us to the audience and their soul.

You do have a unique take on the genres. How would you describe your songs?

Wasim: It’s a mix of different things so it is hard to pinpoint. This includes experimental, different, soulful and eclectic vibes blended together.

What has been the band’s best live performance?

Wasim: I will never forget December 3, 2017 in Pushkar. The amazing audience didn’t allow us to leave the stage till morning. We drew from their energy and created a unique moment for all those present that lasted through the night.

What inspires you as a band?

Wasim: I believe that music has a unique ability to join people together like nothing else on earth. And that’s what inspires Earth Band.

What are the future plans for your band?

Shahrukh: We want to take the band to a different level. We want to do lots of experiments with our music in future. We would love to bring our music and culture to the UK and Europe. We just want to spread happiness through music all over the world. We want people to start recognising our band with its work.

Who would the band most love to work with?

Shahrukh: The band would love to work with creative musicians who have a zeal and passion for music. One of my dreams is to perform with Atif Aslam.

How much has being classically trained helped you both?

Wasim: Indian classical music is the base for all forms of music. It is very easy to adapt to other styles of music if you are classically trained.

Shahrukh: Music is a universal language that everyone speaks; without music life would not be the same. Music makes us feel, imagine, be present and live the moment like no other sense can. Classical music is the base of music. If a person is classically trained, he or she can easily adapt to other forms.

How much does it help the band that you are such a close family?

Wasim: It really helps because when you perform as a band, it’s teamwork. If you are connected by heart, it makes your work easier and more enjoyable.

Who is your biggest musical hero?

Shahrukh: My grandfather Ustad Aziz Khan sahab and my father Rashid Ahmed Jaipuri. They are my role models and heroes.

Wasim: I would agree. They have been guiding lights for us in everything we have done.

What is the best and worst thing about being in a band?

Shahrukh: The best thing about being in a band is that you feel like a family. When you are performing in a band you feel so connected with each other. (Smiles) And there is nothing called worst in my dictionary, when it comes to my music and my band.

Why do you love music?

Shahrukh: Music is my life. I can’t imagine my life without music. It gives me peace and happiness because when I sing and people smile, that’s the moment of life.

Wasim: I love music because it’s in my blood. I have grown up with music and in music. Music is my life.

•  Visit www.theearthband.com for more information