Bapi Das Baul
Encyclopedia
'Bapi' Das Baul is an 8th generation Baul
performer of Bengali
mystical folk music
. He moved from Kolkata
to Paris
in 1993 and is now known for his fusion work with the groups Senses, Baul Bishwa, Zap Mamma, Fun-Da-Mental, trans global underground, State Of Bengal, Studio Pagol and others in the musical scenes of Paris and London.
Already in his early childhood, he was taught to sing, to dance and to play several instruments. In other words Bapi Das Baul was born and raised in music. His father is Purna Das Baul Samrat
, Chief Baul of Bengal.
At a very young age, he started singing with his perents and his some baul brothers in the formation “Baul Bishwa” which means «the world of Bauls». Their concerts were invitations to discover their world, the world of ancient wandering minstrels from Bengal (India) who believe in simplicity in life and love. This philosophy is strongly
reflected in their songs, that are all about love and joy.
These cultural roots have always been and always will be very important to him. He’s in other words very faithful to his traditions and roots which are also still nowadays very present in his music. He also keeps using traditional instruments on stage.
On the other hand however, he is also always seeking for new things and improvement.
He started for instance working mainly on the rhythm and a new way of singing which created a real evolution.
In the mean time he continued of course with Baul Bishwa. Since 1992 he became the leader of this project.
In India still nowadays Baul Bishwa is very much appreciated by the public who recognizes in Bapi a new generation, proud to perpetuate this living tradition.
His music whether it is Senses or Baul Bishwa, it attracts all generations even worldwide and is a friendly invitation to dance and enjoy from the beginning till the end of the show.
He always loved and still loves to share this culture and music with others. This love to share, you can feel strongly during his shows and makes it all more magic and real.
In other words talking about Bapi Das Baul is talking about a musician and performer one of a kind, who was not only born and raised in music but simply is music, who’s not only singing about love and joy but through his deep and sincere desire to share his music with everyone simply is love and joy.
SPECIAL MERITS
One of his compositions is part of the soundtrack of Tony Gatliff’s film: “Mondo”.
His song “Divana” was taken for a Motorola TV commercial in Europe.
"Madness & happyness"
Baul
Baul .Though Bauls comprise only a small fraction of the Bengali population, their influence on the culture of Bengal is considerable. In 2005, the Baul tradition was included in the list of "Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity" by UNESCO.-Etymology:The origin of the word...
performer of Bengali
Bengali people
The Bengali people are an ethnic community native to the historic region of Bengal in South Asia. They speak Bengali , which is an Indo-Aryan language of the eastern Indian subcontinent, evolved from the Magadhi Prakrit and Sanskrit languages. In their native language, they are referred to as বাঙালী...
mystical folk music
Folk music
Folk music is an English term encompassing both traditional folk music and contemporary folk music. The term originated in the 19th century. Traditional folk music has been defined in several ways: as music transmitted by mouth, as music of the lower classes, and as music with unknown composers....
. He moved from Kolkata
Kolkata
Kolkata , formerly known as Calcutta, is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal. Located on the east bank of the Hooghly River, it was the commercial capital of East India...
to Paris
Paris
Paris is the capital and largest city in France, situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region...
in 1993 and is now known for his fusion work with the groups Senses, Baul Bishwa, Zap Mamma, Fun-Da-Mental, trans global underground, State Of Bengal, Studio Pagol and others in the musical scenes of Paris and London.
Already in his early childhood, he was taught to sing, to dance and to play several instruments. In other words Bapi Das Baul was born and raised in music. His father is Purna Das Baul Samrat
Purna Das Baul Samrat
Purnachandra Das Baul Samrat , Chief Baul of Bengal , popularly known as Purna Das Baul Samrat...
, Chief Baul of Bengal.
At a very young age, he started singing with his perents and his some baul brothers in the formation “Baul Bishwa” which means «the world of Bauls». Their concerts were invitations to discover their world, the world of ancient wandering minstrels from Bengal (India) who believe in simplicity in life and love. This philosophy is strongly
reflected in their songs, that are all about love and joy.
These cultural roots have always been and always will be very important to him. He’s in other words very faithful to his traditions and roots which are also still nowadays very present in his music. He also keeps using traditional instruments on stage.
On the other hand however, he is also always seeking for new things and improvement.
He started for instance working mainly on the rhythm and a new way of singing which created a real evolution.
In the mean time he continued of course with Baul Bishwa. Since 1992 he became the leader of this project.
In India still nowadays Baul Bishwa is very much appreciated by the public who recognizes in Bapi a new generation, proud to perpetuate this living tradition.
His music whether it is Senses or Baul Bishwa, it attracts all generations even worldwide and is a friendly invitation to dance and enjoy from the beginning till the end of the show.
He always loved and still loves to share this culture and music with others. This love to share, you can feel strongly during his shows and makes it all more magic and real.
In other words talking about Bapi Das Baul is talking about a musician and performer one of a kind, who was not only born and raised in music but simply is music, who’s not only singing about love and joy but through his deep and sincere desire to share his music with everyone simply is love and joy.
SPECIAL MERITS
One of his compositions is part of the soundtrack of Tony Gatliff’s film: “Mondo”.
His song “Divana” was taken for a Motorola TV commercial in Europe.
Albums
- "Bauls of Bengal"
- "Love and Ecstasy" for Real World (a UK-based recording company managed by pop singer Peter GabrielPeter GabrielPeter Brian Gabriel is an English singer, musician, and songwriter who rose to fame as the lead vocalist and flautist of the progressive rock group Genesis. After leaving Genesis, Gabriel went on to a successful solo career...
) - "Jaan Sufi"
- "6th Sense"
- "No Border"
"Madness & happyness"
External links
- Baul Bishwa Official Site
- Senses Official Site
- http://www.myspace.com/sensesband
- http://www.myspace.com/baulbishwa