MUMBAI: Born in Digboi, Assam, Joi Barua has been the flag bearer of modern contemporary vocals. Joi has lent his voice to few of Bollywood’s greatest modern compositions starting from ‘Dil Dhadakne Do’ from 'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara' to ‘Dua’ from ‘Agent Vinod’.

Joi realised his passion for music at a tender age of four when his father handed him the violin. He went on to perform at various school events where his principal also pushed him towards following his passion.

“I grew up listening to a lot of western music. I was very big on Beatles, Cliff Richard and The Eagles but gradually my interest shifted towards heavier music and I am still an ardent follower of that sound. I love listening to Judas Priest and Iron Maiden,” said the much accomplished singer.

You can tell by the looks of this man that he is a complete rockstar and it is of no surprise that he has a band. The group is called ‘Joi’ lead by Barua himself, is a folk-rock band with a touch of soul and world beat. They came out with their first album, ‘Joi: Looking Out of The Window’ in 2010 and the band has ever since played a huge role in any and all of Barua’s projects. “Joi is a part of my life and I have known these people for ages now. I usually allot a certain amount of time for all my work be it my Bollywood or independent projects but I end up with someone from the band almost everytime. I have a circle of musicians who I highly respect and I usually don’t need anyone out of the circle for any of my work. So I am constantly in touch with the guys from the band,” smiled the Assamese rocker.

Speaking of the band Joi, they are all set to perform at NCPA on 18 and 19 March respectively as a part of ‘Living Traditions: Festival of Assam.’ The ninth edition of the festival aims at preserving the rich folklore of Assam. Barua having heavy folk influences says, “I have always been greatly inspired by the likes of Bhupen Hazarika and L Subhramaniam and I have learnt that folk music isn’t always about songwriting, it’s rather about telling stories and addressing social issues and that is what we plan to put across at NCPA. Assam is a multiplural music society and the diversity and richness of art in it is just beyond amazing and I would really like to send that message across to the people through my contemporary approach of expressing it.”

Apart from being the kickass live performer that he is, Barua is currently working on a Hyderabadi movie alongside director Ayodhya Kumar. He has recently collaborated with folk artists form Jaisalmer and has also produced music for one of Imtiaz Ali’s short films the name of ehich “cannot be disclosed” now but is all set for release within a week or so.

So this weekend block your dates because Joi and company have some wonderful moments in store for their audience this coming weekend.