Editor’s Pick: Donn Bhat Blends Afro-Rock and Rajasthani Folk on ‘Swali Hu’ with Sakur Khan Sufi

After years of teasing material, composer-producer and vocalist Donn Bhat has spent the first half of the year showing us the fruits of his labor — the latest is “Swali Hu,” featuring Rajasthani folk vocalist Sakur Khan Sufi. Bhat and Khan Sufi adapt poetry by Bullehshah with elan, traversing folk-fusion, Afro-rock and electronica in a way that only the Mumbai-based artist can perfect.

Featuring sarangi by Sabir Khan and percussion elements by Suchet Malhotra, “Swali Hu” is the second collaboration between the artists. Earlier in the year, Bhat enlisted Punjabi artists Rashmeet Kaur and Prabh Deep for the sublime fusion tune “Taqdeer,” for the newly launched Coke Studio Bharat.

While the shimmer of the in-studio performance and millions of views came from “Taqdeer,” this new song stems from a wholly DIY ethic. Bhat said in an Instagram post, “What started in a tent outside the dunes of Jaisalmer… Microphones buzzing, mic stands falling, electricity cuts and a storm coming. No sponsors no agendas, and consequently tiny budgets, DIY shoots and all heart. This [is] why I love music.”

“Swali Hu” and “Taqdeer” have both arrived two years after his last single, a stirring rendition of “Strange Fruit,” originally sung by Billie Holiday. Further back, Bhat released his powerful record Connected in 2016. While juggling commercial projects alongside writing new material, Bhat has been chipping away at a follow-up album and “Swali Hu” is a glimpse of just that.

Watch the video for “Swali Hu” below.