Celebrating Tradition: A Journey Through Folksongs
Amita Ravikirana
Music is not just an art; it is a bridge between the past and the present, a connection to our roots. On a recent evening in Belfast, I had the privilege of sharing a piece of my homeland, Karnataka, through a collection of its forgotten folk songs. The concert, held at the Oh Yeah Music Centre, was a deeply personal journey of revival and storytelling. Concert link on YouTube
Listen to "Embracing Tradition with Every Note" on Bandcamp
"The Rain" Music Video on YouTube
About Me
My name is Amita Ravikirana I am a vocalist based in Belfast.
I was born in a small town called Mundgod, a unique urban-rural place in Karnataka often referred to as "Mini India" due to its diverse migrant population. Growing up in this melting pot of cultures, I was exposed to a variety of Indian languages, rituals, and musical traditions.
While I studied Indian classical music, the earthy, raw musical surroundings of my upbringing gave me a deep appreciation for folk music, which has always held my heart. This passion led me to pursue a master's degree in Folklore. Those two years of study opened my eyes to not just folk music but also the motifs, myths, and aspirations embedded in folklore. It was a transformative experience that deepened my understanding of these timeless traditions.
After moving to Northern Ireland, I continued singing but struggled to find opportunities to truly connect with my roots. I was often hesitant to present and explain Kannada folk songs due to language barriers. However, Beyond Skin encouraged me to explore my strengths, and Sound of Belfast gave me the platform to share my heritage.
The Concert
Beyond Skin through an opportunity with Sound of Belfast Festival invited me to curate my own concert. For this concert, I curated a selection of songs that represent the spirit of Karnataka’s rural heartlands. Each performance was a celebration of life’s simplest yet most profound moments, but the highlight of the evening was the wedding songs.
These wedding songs, traditionally sung by women during marriage rituals, captivated the audience with their joyous energy and cultural richness. One song depicted a mother calling on the women of the community to beautify the bride with herbal oils—a practice that predates modern beauty rituals. Another playful piece celebrated the camaraderie and banter that defines these gatherings, reflecting the vibrant spirit of rural Karnataka.
Accompanied by the ektaara, my closest musical companion, the songs took on an earthy, authentic quality, transporting the audience to a world of tradition and community. Through my narrations, I shared the stories behind these songs, explaining how they were an integral part of the lives of women in Karnataka, connecting them in shared moments of celebration and solidarity.
The audience, a mix of cultures and backgrounds, embraced these songs with curiosity and appreciation. Many were experiencing Kannada folk music for the first time, and their engagement was heart warming.
This concert was more than a performance; it was a bridge between cultures and generations, a celebration of the enduring beauty of folk traditions. I left the stage with a profound sense of fulfilment, knowing that these songs, though far from their origins, resonated deeply with listeners.
Collaborating with Talented Artists
The November 10th concert was made even more special by the talented artists from all over the globe who joined me on this journey.
I had the privilege of collaborating with Slawomir Chichy, Shrihari Prakash, Clare Louise, Maria Rafferty, Nicholas Boyle, Dr Shiva Kumar Arava, Luigi Cirilo, Suddhi Bangera.
A diverse group of musicians and performers who brought their own unique styles to the event. Their contributions enriched the performance, weaving a tapestry of sound that elevated the Kannada folk songs to new heights.
Also other variety of songs such as Hindi classics, movie songs, and Gazals. My friend Siddhi has performed ‘expression of dance’ on one of the Gazal called Aaj Jaaneki Zid na karo.
Together, we created an experience that was as much about unity and collaboration as it was about celebrating tradition. Belfast Live article
Looking Ahead
Two days after my event, I had the opportunity to attend an event called Belfast Output, one of Ireland's biggest music conferences. During the event, I was part of a panel discussion where Darren Ferguson, the founder and CEO of Beyond Skin, asked me about my event and why I thought it was special. This was my response:
"I feel that India, being such a vast country with diverse cultures and languages, has so much to offer in terms of art and music. However, when it comes to showcasing Indian art globally, many people immediately think of Bollywood. This is similar to how, when people think of Indian cookery, they often associate it with curry or chicken tikka masala. Ironically, chicken tikka masala wasn’t even originally an Indian dish!
In the same way, when people think of Indian art, music, or dance, Bollywood becomes the focal point. While Bollywood has its charm, it doesn’t fully represent the richness of India’s cultural heritage. Many organizations focus only on showcasing this glamorous Bollywood culture, overlooking the deep traditions of Indian classical and folk art forms.
Indian classical music and dance, on the other hand, have found significant representation on the global stage, which is wonderful. But I feel that the origin of these refined art forms lies in folk traditions—raw, earthy, and deeply connected to the lives of everyday people. Unfortunately, these folk traditions have not been as widely presented, with only a handful of artists enthusiastic about introducing them to the wider world.
As an artist, musician, and student of folklore, I believe it is my responsibility to take this opportunity to present these beautiful ancestral songs. Folk music is not just entertainment; it’s a repository of stories, emotions, and wisdom passed down through generations. By sharing these songs. I truly believe I am the chosen one who is getting the opportunity to introduce and present these songs and their stories to the wider world."
As I continue this journey of preserving and sharing folk heritage, I hope to keep these timeless melodies alive, ensuring they remain a source of inspiration and connection for generations to come.
Amita Ravikirana. Belfast City of Music
