KolkataPride.org in association with t2 organised a fundraiser performance by Bengali singer-songwriter Sahana Bajpaie at Trincas on August 6. It was a full-house event with Trincas serving its old Calcutta charm, accompanied by Sahana’s soulful Rabindrasangeet along with soft rhythm violin and synthesiser. Before starting every song, Sahana explained the song. Guests swayed their heads to the live music and enjoyed some delicious finger food from Trincas. t2 dropped in to catch Sahana Bajpaie live and also to chat about her music and the LQBTQ+ community.
What is it about fusion folk music that makes it different from other genres of music?
What I think about fusion folk music is that the sound is very contemporary to make it more palatable for people who will not necessarily listen to the folk music of Bengal. It’s just about reaching out to people more, like Coke Studio does... Bengal has been doing this for a long time. I think more folk singers should come up on the stage and perform.
How did you learn to play or sing this kind of music?
I was brought up in Santiniketan where bauls lived. I learnt my music from them and that kind of music was easier to adapt. But I’m no folk musician. I just learnt a little bit from them and perform it whenever my spirit moves.
I sing Rabindrasangeet mostly. I also like singing original songs from the 90s like that of Anjan Dutt, Kabir Suman, Moushumi Bhowmik and bands like Lakkhichhara, and Fossils to name a few. It’s a mix and match and I don’t stick to a particular genre.
What do you think is the future of fusion-folk and how does the current generation accept the genre?
The audience too participated in the performance as they swayed their heads and sang along with Sahana
I don’t think the current generation is that interested in fusion folk. I think the music scape has changed. A lot of Lo-fi or EDM is what I get to listen to at home nowadays (laughs).
You are an ally of the LGBTQ+ community...
Being an LGBTQ+ ally, I think basic human rights and basic living are what they struggle with. They are exactly like us but just living normally is an impediment to them.
How do you feel about Calcutta accepting the LGBTQ+ community with open arms?
I think everyone is opening up and it’s a wonderful thing. People are starting to accept that there are different kinds of people in this world, you might as well get along with them and live in harmony. There are still pockets, those who are not privileged or those who live in rural areas and small towns... it's still a problem for them. The more we talk about sexual orientation in civil conversations the better.
