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New Indian Express
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Mu-synch for the soul
It is a known factor that the universal language of music knows no bounds – bridging cultures and connecting people from all walks of life. Known for blending Afro-Caribbean rhythms with funk and global grooves, French-Caribbean musician David Walters is an example of this phenomenon, of creating music which resonates with audience from diverse backgrounds. He recently brought it to the city as part of the Fête de la Musique festival, held at Alliance Francaise de Bangalore on Friday, as a part of his Indian tour. 'I was surprised to receive such a warm welcome from an audience that barely knows me, an audience of all ages, from children as young as three years old to those in their 80s, 20s, and entire families. These are real encounters with the audience – baths of joy,' he shares. For Walters, music is a deeply emotional process. 'What inspires me is what I experience. I draw from lived experiences – moments of love, loss, melancholy, joy, and rebirth. My deepest inspirations come from these emotions – they are numerous and infinite,' he shares. This philosophy is reflected in his aim – to bring along and blend global influences in music. 'Caribbean rhythms are naturally part of me – they are in my DNA – and when I combine them with global influences, like Indian folk or soul from the '70s, it becomes a fusion of emotions and experiences,' Walters notes. Collaboration and cultural exchange are central to Walters' process. 'I've worked with artistes like Seun Kuti, Flavia Coelho, Keziah Jones, and many others – all born out of real human encounters,' he says. His recent collaboration with Indian classical musicians, including Rajasthan Roots, has been a revelation. 'Indian music carries immense depth, tradition, and learning. Working with them has taken me out of my comfort zone in the best way,' he adds. For Walters, live performance is more than just entertainment; it's a way to heal and connect with others. 'Music for me is more than sound; it's a space of expression and healing. And dance helps us heal, it cares and uplifts us – just like music. They are not opposed but complementary,' he emphasises, adding, 'Also, I like to leave space for the musicians I play with to express themselves. The voice may be the first instrument, but I believe that instruments, silence, and emotion also speak deeply. That honesty on stage is what allows for a real connection.' Currently touring around the nation with an aim to engage in intimate musical residencies with local folk musicians, Walters hints at potential collaborations with more Indian musicians. 'I do hope to stay longer in India someday to record with Indian musicians – there's a soulful connection between India and the Caribbean, not just musically but culturally too, especially considering the Indian diaspora in the Caribbean since colonial times,' he concludes.
New Indian Express
08-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Bastille Day celebrations likely in Bengaluru next year
BENGALURU: The French 'Bastille Day' could be celebrated in Bengaluru next year, with Marc Lamy, Consul General of France in Bengaluru, expressing his agreement 'in principle' to the idea. 'I am in favour of it in Bengaluru. We will work out the modalities,' he said on Wednesday. Lamy was speaking at the launch of 'Vachanas in French', a French translation of 2,500 vachanas by Lord Basaveshwara. The release, hosted at Alliance Francaise de Bangalore, marks a crucial step in taking Basavanna's teachings to a global audience. The event was jointly organised by Alliance Française and the Basava Samithi. 'The relationship between India and France is at its best. I am extremely happy to be part of an event that bridges and strengthens cultural and literary ties between our two countries,' Lamy added.
New Indian Express
06-05-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Basavanna's vachanas to be translated into French
BENGALURU: In an effort to globalise the voice of 12th-century philosopher and social reformer Basaveshwara, a French translation of 2,500 vachanas will be unveiled in Bengaluru on Wednesday. Titled 'Vachanas in French', the publication is aimed at introducing Francophone readers across the world to Basaveshwara's timeless ideas on equality, truth, and spiritual freedom. 'This is not just a book release — it's a cultural bridge. Basaveshwara's vachanas speak of values that cut across geography - dignity, justice, and a search for truth. We want the world to hear that voice, starting with the Francophone world,' President of Basava Samithi Aravind Jatti said at a joint press conference organised by Alliance Francaise de Bangalore and Basava Samithi, on Monday.
The Hindu
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Soul tunes at the Mango Showers Festival debut in Bengaluru
It is that time of year when the mango showers fall, bringing a welcome respite from the heat and a promise of fragrant, wholesome summer fruits. While one cannot predict the rain these days, the city's music lovers can certainly enjoy the Mango Showers Music Festival — a three-day programme with a mixed bag of events. When it was established in 2011, the primary purpose of the Majolly Music Trust was to aid aging musicians who were unable to land or perform gigs anymore. However, the Mango Showers Music Festival is a fundraiser to launch their newest initiative — a scholarship fund for students who want to study music but cannot afford to. According to Neecia Majolly, founder of the Trust, a scholarship fund was always on their cards. 'When it comes to Western classical music, there are no institutions in India for higher studies and students have to go abroad to pursue their passion,' Neecia says. 'Now, this is not cheap and banks do not offer loans for music studies as they feel they are not a financially viable cause.' Neecia says watching one of her own students run from pillar to post a few years ago, to raise the cash for her education, spurred her to get this fundraiser up and running. She does admit that while the event may not generate enough funds to cover the entire tuition for every aspiring student, it could ease their burden and raise awareness, hopefully benefiting more students over time. 'All proceeds from the Mango Shower Music Festival will go towards the scholarship fund.' Bengaluru-based musician Joey Sharma, who will be performing at the festival, says he and his band were glad to be part of the initiative when Neecia approached them a few months ago. 'We'll be playing a genre of music called gypsy jazz, a style pioneered by Django Reinhardt, a Belgian guitarist,' he says, adding that audiences could expect melodies 'reminiscent of Woody Allen movies with a modern touch.' A musical titled Jack and the Beans Talk, with an original score and script will be presented, as well as a performance by German pianist Andreas Konig. Andreas who will be presenting a Western classical piano recital on April 27, will also be conducting a master class with piano students at Odyssey School of Music, earlier in the day. The Mango Shower Music Festival will take place from April passes cost ₹449, ₹225 for children below eight years. For bookings and other details call 8494930941 Let the music play Day 1: Joey Sharma Quartet will perform at the Alliance Francaise de Bangalore, at 7pm Day 2: Original musical Jack and the Beans Talk at Medai, Koramangala, at 5pm and 7pm Day 3: German concert pianist Andreas Konig to perform at the Alliance Francaise de Bangalore, at 7pm
