Swaraag charms with its original music

Satyendra Bhardwaj

“First heard the group at a wedding, have been a follower since. Invited them to as many occasions possible. And now I feel proud to see them at this stage. Something special about their performances that creates a stir and awakens all the happy notes within oneself. Keep up the good work guys!”

This comment on ‘Padharo Mhare Des’ folk fusion song by a fan on Youtube epitomises the loyal following that ‘Swaraag’ – a hugely popular Indo-Western fusion band from Rajasthan, enjoys, not only in India but also in other countries.

After lying low for nearly two years due to the pandemic, the popular Swaraag Band has sprung back to life with an energetic performance recently in Delhi, marking an exciting return to the stage for the celebrated fusion music group.

Founded in 2014 through the creative jugalbandi of Founder and Team Coach Pratap Singh and Arif Khan, the band creates unique music using their signature instrument, the Zitar. Over the years, Swaraag has carved a niche in the Indo-Western fusion music space and has performed in more than 1000 shows worldwide.

The band also gained national recognition as the runner-up of the popular reality show Rising Star Season 3 on Colors TV, further strengthening its presence in the Indian music scene.

A Unique Sound in Indo-Western Fusion

Rajasthan has long been known for producing legendary artists and musicians. In such a vibrant musical landscape, Swaraag has managed to create a distinct identity for itself.

According to Pratap Singh, the band’s biggest strength lies in its commitment to live instrumental music.

“We create live music using instruments and do not rely on mixing machines. Our performances are enjoyed by audiences of all age groups,” he says.

He recalls a memorable performance in Dubai where the event organiser praised the band for the universal appeal of their music, highlighting how people across generations enjoyed their performance equally.

Turning Pandemic Challenges into Opportunities

Like most performing artists, Swaraag faced uncertainty when the COVID-19 lockdowns halted live events and shows.

“At first we were completely clueless when the lockdown was announced,” Singh recalls. “But soon the members of the band connected with each other and decided to go online, as we began receiving requests for Facebook Live performances.”

The band quickly adapted by setting up a home studio and organising a 10-day training programme for the team to prepare for digital performances.

‘Ja Ja Re Corona Virus’: Music with a Message

During the pandemic, Swaraag created a special song titled “Ja Ja Re Corona Virus.”

The song, inspired by Rajasthani folk music, was recorded at home using just tabla and zitar. Despite its simple and raw production, the track carried an important message about safety and precautions during the pandemic.

The video has received more than 13,000 views, reflecting the band’s strong connection with its audience even during challenging times.

Exciting Performances Ahead in India and Abroad

With the pandemic now behind them, the band is once again enjoying back-to-back bookings and preparing for a series of high-energy performances in the coming months.

Swaraag already has shows scheduled in Delhi, Indore, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, and Jammu, while several international performances in Europe and the USA are also currently under discussion.

Meet the Swaraag Band Members

The band’s dynamic lineup includes:

• Asif Khan – Lead Singer

• Tasruf Ali – Saxophone

• Rishab Rozgar – Guitar

• Arif Khan – Khartal / Morchang

• Sajid Khan – Drummer

• Seif Ali Khan – Tabla

• Pratap Singh and Arif Khan – Zitar

Together, the group blends traditional Indian sounds with modern musical elements, creating a distinctive fusion style that continues to captivate audiences across the world.

With renewed energy and global plans ahead, Swaraag Band is ready to mesmerise music lovers once again with its powerful live performances and innovative fusion music.