BlaaZe and folk artists to perform in Chennai

If you were under the impression that indigenous art forms, like folk music and traditional percussion were on their way out, think again. A group of dedicated artists from Chennai are all set to prove their belief that these modes of expression are still alive, kicking and raring to be picked up by a new generation of music lovers. Chennai based hip-hop pioneer BlaaZe, will be joined by the likes of Paul J, Raju Baul, Chinnaponnu and an all-star cast of Thappattam artists from Madurai for a concert to be held on Saturday. The show is aimed at bringing together musicians hailing from diverse backgrounds who will be creating a heady amalgam of sights, sounds and experiences for the avid music buffs of the city — a hybrid theory of melody, as BlaaZe would refer to it.Giving us the inside dope on what the gang’s been cooking, he says, “We wanted to give our audiences in Chennai something really hip, but infused with a nativity that was quintessentially Tamil. That’s why Paul and I decided to fuse the literature of Bharathiyar with the free-spirited verses of hip-hop music. And we opted to rope in some popular folk musicians from in and around Tamil Nadu and West Bengal to help us achieve this dream.”So what kind of concert will it be? BlaaZe reveals, “Let me not spoil it for you. All I can say is that it’s an experience worthy of all the senses. All of us musicians are entering unchartered territory. So the energy levels are high and the need to give the crowd, a kickass show is what’s on our minds now. It’s going to be a night when a lyrical gangster is going to meet his match, in no less than some of the most talented folk artists in India.”