MUMBAI: YouTube sensation and Indian folk duo Maati Baani encourages the practise of peace and harmony through its new song, 'Rang Rangiya'. Through the song, the duo aims to spread the message of love and acceptance. For this song, Maati Baani collaborated with Pakistani musicians like Komal Rizvi, beat-boxer Asfandyar Junejo, rabab maestro Gulab Afridi and drummer Kurt Menezes. The song also features the nephews of Rajasthani folk singer, Mame Khan. Moti Khan and Rope Khan, who hail from the Manganiyar Gharana of Rajasthani musicians, showcase their prodigal vocals in the song along with Pakistani guitarist Omran Shafique.
The production started on 15 July, exactly a month prior to the 67th Indian Independence Day. The duo was going through the news at that time and stumbled upon the news on the Isreali-Palestinian conflict over Gaza. "While reading, we came across an image of an innocent child who lost its life during the conflict. That image picked on our heartstrings so bad, it hurt. So, we decided to do a song that would help heal the hearts of those who have lost their beloved," said Nirali Kartik, one half of the husband-wife band (which included Kartik Shah who also produces the band's songs), and vocalist on the inspiration for the song.
With the aim of paying tribute, through music, to inspire love and peace, Maati Baani called upon artistes from Pakistan to collaborate on 'Rang Rangiya'. "While referring to the relationship between India and Pakistan, people often remember the enmity brewing between the two nations. We wanted to create a song that would free the people from negative emotions like hatred, greed and vengeance," continued Kartik.
Maati Baani received an overwhelming response from over 25 Pakistani artistes. Of them five were finalised to collaborate with. First, Maati Baani recorded their part and sent it to the artistes across the border. Once the artistes reverted, the editing process started and with a few elaborated additions, the composition for 'Rang Rangiya' was complete.
"If the people of the world share the bond of friendship, there would be no war. There would be only feelings of love and compassion shared. And we want to spread this through this song," concluded Kartik.