MUMBAI: Hailing from Kashmir, Aabha Hanjura, the former Indian Idol contestant is an independent Sufi folk artist. She has the zeal and enthusiasm for creating her own world of music including classic folk along with contemporary sounds. She is the founder and lead singer of Sufi-folk band Sufistication. Aabha was nominated in the top five in the Best Female Fusion category and her band 'Aabha Hanjura-Sufistication' was also shortlisted in the top five in the Best Album Category (Jury Session) for Artist Aloud Music Awards 5th Edition. Aabha did not go home with an award, but her music has definitely been noticed. Excerpts from a conversation - 

Tell us something about your singing style.

I have been told I have a very naturally raw, folk voice, hence I largely sing in that style. Every artiste has a style/genre that they naturally gravitate towards, for me it has always been Sufi, Folk and Ghazals, may be because I grew up on that kind of music, though I appreciate and listen to all forms of music as each genre /each artist has a unique quality. Growing up, I was trained in Hindustani Classical music under Pt Shivkumar Sharma and Pt Sripad Gaddi, but of late, I have been training in western pop vocals under Neecia Majjolly, which is an exciting new domain for me as it is so different from anything I have learnt before and has opened up my perspective towards singing with technique etc. I am still discovering my voice and I believe training should never stop, as there are always new horizons to find.

How did the band Sufistication happen?

Sufistication happened because of my love for the stage! I was performing for commercial shows prior to forming my own project and I had a strong urge to find a sound I truly identified with. I wanted to go out there and perform my own material. My band mates helped me a great deal with my music and it so happened that we started enjoying doing this as a group, though each of us is from a completely diverse musical background, each member brings to the table their influences which create the magic that Sufistication’s music does.

I was lucky to find great support in one of my earliest collaborators Midhun Mukundan, who understood the vision I had with the sound of the band, and took an active role in arranging the music for the band. He has been one of the first few members of the band and is still a part of the line-up.

What motivates you?

Well, someone said this and I believe in it really strongly that music chooses you, you don’t choose music, and when it does you just hang on for the ride of your life! Honestly, I am truly passionate about the music of my land, i.e. Kashmiri music, I have this strong desire to popularise the music of Kashmir as I believe that it is truly beautiful. There’s more to the valley than ‘Terrorism and Tourism’, there’s beautiful music which is truly diverse and multifaceted, there is Rouf, Sufiana, Chakri and many other interesting musical forms. My endeavour is to take the music of Kashmir to the world, through as many formats as possible whether it is through my live shows or my album songs. After years of effort and work, I have seen people sing Kashmiri songs along with us in the crowd at our live gigs, and that makes me happy! 

What’s your priority apart from music?

I am a multitasker and I don many hats, I believe there are 24 hours in a day and one LIFE that can be put to great use. My media background has me very interested in marketing and branded content, I enjoy creating strategies for LIVE events, festivals and brands in the time I have of music. I also love travelling, reading and hanging out with close friends.

Are you working on any commercial projects that you can talk about?

Yes, I have been working on new material that will hopefully release this year! I am experimenting with both a new LIVE project, which is something that’s very close to my heart and new content. The project is work in progress, and if all goes well, should be announced soon. Fingers crossed. This year should be exciting and I am all geared up.

How did it feel being shortlisted in the top five of both - Best Album Category and Best Female in Fusion category for the 5th Artist Aloud Awards?

It was overwhelming to be nominated in both categories alongside extremely talented fellow artists. Unfortunately, Independent Music is not recognised widely in the country, just as mainstream music is, hence I am really glad that Hungama has created this beautiful platform, Artist Aloud, for indie music to be heard and then to create a property to recognise that talent and gratify it.

Tell us something about your first solo video album, Aabha and The Sound of Kashmir? 

Well, that’s the working title of the album, and this one is a total passion project. I have been working on it for quite some time and keep innovating with the ways of releasing it. I am excited about an alternate way of releasing my music, which is taking some time to develop. I am deeply passionate about the ‘Sound Of Kashmir’ and I have used some of the authentic Kashmiri instruments in my songs, as I believe they beautifully resonate with the sound of the valley. All the songs tell a story of its own and through this project; I aim at giving it a humble attempt at presenting them in the best way possible.