Sushant Divgikar and Mikey McCleary’s ‘Bawla’ Launches New Folk Project Maati

A new folk-fusion project Maati aims to celebrate the beauty of India’s diverse folklore with eight songs across eight languages, with the first of them — “Bawla” by vocalist Sushant Divgikar aka Rani-Ko-He-Nur and composer-producer Mikey McCleary — arriving on Oct. 9

Released via Warner Music India in what is undoubtedly on the heels of successful folk-fusion projects like Coke Studio Bharat, “Bawla” is marketed as the debut Rajasthani track by Sushant Divgikar and it’s a perfect mix of traditional and modern sounds. Divgikar, known for their incredible vocal versatility, teamed up with McCleary and the legendary Khan Brothers, masters of traditional and classical Indian music, to create something truly special.

“Bawla” is all about the joy of living life without holding back. A vibrant track with infectious energy that can take over dancefloors, it has Divgikar’s voice front and center, effortlessly shifting between different styles to add layers and depth. One moment, their voice is soaring with power, and the next, it’s soft and soulful, in a way that is Divgikar’s calling card. The way their vocals blend with the Khan Brothers’ traditional Rajasthani singing is pure magic. There’s this beautiful back-and-forth between old and new, tradition and modernity, that makes the song stand out. Bhutta Khan joins on lead vocals, backed by Multan Khan, Sawai Khan and Magda Khan, with Rajasthani lyrics written by Arushi Kaushal and Divgikar’s parts penned by Vrindam Nagpal.

The production on “Bawla” by McCleary further enhances the track’s appeal, with his signature blend of contemporary beats and Western melodies perfectly balanced with Rajasthani folk instrumentation. The collaboration with the Khan Brothers, who are celebrated for their mastery of Indian classical music, adds an authentic depth to the track, making “Bawla” a successful fusion of old and new.

Curated by music composers Achint Thakkar and Parth Pandya from theirNight Song Records, Maati is a unique exploration of India’s vast musical traditions. The project not only highlights regional music but also breaks stereotypes by pairing contemporary artists with folk stories that transcend language and region.

Divgikar expressed their enthusiasm for the project, stating, “I am screaming! It was an absolute pleasure coming together with Mikey to make this banger of a track, and when I heard we had Parth and especially the Khan Brothers on board, my excitement was off the hook!!! I hope the world enjoys our artistry as much as we loved and enjoyed coming together to make this happen! What a NamaSLAY indeed.”

With “Bawla” leading the charge, Maati is already off to an epic start, offering a fresh yet deeply rooted sound that celebrates the traditions of India while engaging a contemporary audience. Maati will be showcasing an impressive lineup of artists including Vishal Dadlani, Mohit Chauhan, Madhubanti Bagchi, Ash King, Nikhita Gandhi, each adding their own unique touch to the project.