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| FolkAGeet - a folk-fusion band from Assam, India |
Guwahati, June 8, 2025 - In an evening soaked in nostalgia and cultural richness, Guwahati-based folk fusion band FolkAGeet lit up the stage at Freemasons Brewworks with an unforgettable performance celebrating the golden era of Assamese music and the folk traditions of India.
Marking a first for the venue, the band took audiences on a soulful journey, revisiting timeless Assamese songs from the 1960s to the 1990s. Classics such as 'Senaai Moi Jao', 'Moina Soraiti', 'Ma Ami Xodiyaloi Jamei', and 'Ganga Behti Ho Kyu' echoed through the night, paying homage to musical stalwarts like Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, Dipali Borthakur, Kamal Hazarika, Khagen Mahanta, Nirmala Mishra, and Sagarika Baruah.
The performance was a seamless blend of authenticity and innovation. FolkAGeet stayed true to the essence of each song, opting for an unplugged setup using acoustic instruments such as tabla, dogor and acoustic guitars, deliberately steering away from electric guitars and heavy drums. The result was an organic, heart-touching soundscape that resonated deeply with the crowd.
Alongside Assamese classics, the band explored a wide tapestry of folk traditions, performing Nepali, Garhwali, Kamrupi, Goalporia, and Bengali folk numbers, reflecting their mission to revive and celebrate the rich musical heritage of India.
The lineup, led by guitarist and frontman Jim Ankan Deka, featured an exceptional team of artists: Tripti Martin (vocals & bass), one of the few female bass-playing vocalists in the world; Jyotismita Baishya (vocals), Bhabiram Boro (keyboards), and Rupam Kalita (percussion), all of whom are accomplished musicians and radio artists in their own right.
The audience, filled with music lovers and nostalgia seekers, was visibly moved. Many noted it was the first time they had heard such a curated repertoire of Assamese legends performed live in such an intimate setting.
FolkAGeet is rapidly becoming a torchbearer for Indian folk revivalism. With original compositions like The Road Not Taken and Whispers of Oneness, and collaborations with lyricists like Shristi Bhagawati, the band continues to push the boundaries of folk fusion, infusing traditional sounds from the North East with a modern sensibility.
In a city that's seen countless performances, June 8 at Freemasons Brewworks stood out - not just as a concert, but as a cultural moment that reminded many of where Assamese music has come from, and the exciting paths it's still yet to explore. The event was curated by Razr Live.