Rajasthan Josh

Formed in 2009 by Chugge Khan, an internationally acclaimed music virtuoso, Rajasthan Josh is a collective of Manganiyar musicians from the colourful state of Rajasthan, India.

The powerhouse super group combines three strains of traditional music not usually performed together: qawwali, Manganiar court music and a big, boisterous Rajasthani brass band. Their music is grounded in and carries on the traditions of the Manganiyars, a previously nomadic caste of artists and musicians who for centuries traversed the desert of Northwest India performing for the Moghul rulers and Rajput princes as well as at village weddings, birth celebrations and feasts.

Taught by their fathers, the musicians have been practicing from an early age and playing together for more than a decade. Today, Rajasthan Josh embraces national and international stage performances and celebrations of the traditional yet timeless musical culture which is the essence of their magic, as well as experimenting with contemporary styles and fusions. Music completely permeates their lives and is their expression of respect for all that is divine.

Rajasthan Josh have regularly headlined the music program at the annual Jaipur Literature Festival, captivating audiences with their performance. They have played in collaboration with a wide range of international artists and bands, including Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Toumani Diabate, Prem Joshua, Indian Ocean, Shye Ben Tzur, Natacha Atlas, Dub Colossus, and Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead.