Indie Insider | Sufi artist Aabha Hanjura: Music chose me, I didn't choose music

Aabha Hanjura, Pic/Instagram

Aabha Hanjura, a Sufi and folk singer hailing from Kashmir, passionately believes that her music embodies a unique blend of modernism and traditional essence. One of her remarkable songs, 'Hukus Bukus', gained immense popularity after being featured in the acclaimed web series, 'The Family Man,' leading to a surge in her phone notifications and widespread fame. The experience was overwhelming, keeping her sleepless for days, but Aabha remained grateful for the unexpected success.

Kashmir, the land of her roots, holds a special place in Aabha's heart and serves as her ultimate muse. Despite being a corporate honcho in her past life, a profound emotional connection drew her back to her old home, where she rediscovered her true calling in music. Aabha decided to use her art to showcase the rich culture and stories of Kashmir, going beyond the stereotypical portrayal of the region associated with terrorism.

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As an artist, Aabha considers herself an advocate for folk music, which she perceives as not confined to any niche but as a universal language. She believes that music knows no boundaries, be it Pakistani, Rajasthani, or Kashmiri, and that a song's essence remains intact irrespective of the language it emanates from. Drawing inspiration from her roots, she has taken a bold and innovative approach to her music, merging folk with instrumental and electronic elements, presenting herself as a versatile pop artist exploring diverse realms.

Aabha acknowledges the rise of the indie music industry and the need for continuous evolution. She recognizes that Bollywood music enjoys substantial support, but she firmly believes in the parallel industry forming and the significance of experimenting with new musical styles to cater to evolving audience tastes.

The success of her viral track, 'Hukus Bukus', along with other popular songs like 'Roshe Walla', 'Kale Rang Da Paranda', and 'Kala Sha Kala', has shattered stereotypes, propelling Aabha to the top of the charts. Her presence in the Indian Idol competition further added to her recognition as a talented artist. Her music videos on YouTube have amassed an impressive 3.7 million views, showcasing her widespread appeal and growing fan base.

In conclusion, Aabha's journey as an artist has been defined by breaking barriers and embracing the fusion of traditional and contemporary influences in her music. With a firm belief in the universality of music and its power to transcend linguistic boundaries, she continues to make waves in the music industry, leaving an indelible mark with her soulful and innovative compositions. As the indie music scene continues to flourish, Aabha remains committed to evolving her craft and connecting with her audience through her heartfelt melodies that tell the captivating stories of Kashmir and its rich cultural heritage.