Dr Sahana Bajpaie has been described as a contemporary preeminent practitioner of Bengali music. By drawing on the rich legacy of Bengali songs, Sahana has crafted a show that offers new and insightful interpretations of familiar melodies.

Joined by an extraordinary trio of internationally respected musicians, Idris Rahman, master percussionist Mawulikplimi (Noel) Dossavi and surprise guest pianist, Sahana has built a new musical conversation that explores this sacred music tradition, helping to release it from preconceived expectations.

The freedom that is entrenched in jazz has enabled Sahana to create a show that allows her audiences to listen to the heartfelt lyricism of Bengali music, one that’s rooted in tradition, open to all, and brings a playful and intimate conversation to the stage.

Unlike many young Bengalis outside of Santiniketan, Tagore’s music was not something acquired for me. It was an inheritance, an intimate part of my selfhood.
Sahana Bajpaie

Dr Sahana Bajpaie
Sahana was brought up and musically trained in Rabindrasangeet and Bengali folk songs in Santiniketan, India. Sahana holds a PhD in Music from King’s College London and has released five critically acclaimed studio albums, known for her extremely popular Bengali playback work. We’re honoured to welcome Dr Sahana Bajpaie back to World Heart Beat Concert Hall.

Idris Rahman
Idris is a saxophonist, clarinettist, singer, bass-player, composer and producer. He has co-led the Soothsayers for nearly two decades and has co-written and co-produced their critically acclaimed albums.

Mawulikplimi (Noel) Dossavi
A highly skilled percussionist and master of all types of African and Latin percussions. Noel also specialises in teaching African drums.

With special thanks to The Cockayne Foundation for its generous sponsorship of the Silk Road Concert Series.