Mame Khan, a renowned Rajasthani folk singer, is celebrated for his captivating Rajasthani folk and Sufi music. His unique style and powerful voice have earned him international recognition.

Wiki/Biography

Born and raised in Satto, a small town near Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, Mame Khan hails from the Manganiyar community. This community boasts a rich 15-generation-long singing tradition. He honed his musical skills by listening to his father and family members, absorbing their expertise and the nuances of their musical heritage.

Physical Appearance

• Eye Color: Black
• Hair Color: Black

Family, Caste & Wife

Mame Khan is a Muslim belonging to the 15th generation of the Manganiyar community. His father, the late Ustad Rana Khan, was a world-renowned singer. His uncle, Ustad Maule Khan, also played a significant role in his musical upbringing, further enriching his training and understanding of traditional music.

Career

From a young age, Mame Khan performed with his tribe at weddings, births, and other ceremonies. Their music has resonated in over 60 countries. His international debut was a memorable performance in Central Park, New York. His Bollywood breakthrough came with the song “Bawre” in the film “Luck By Chance (2009).”

He has also lent his voice to other notable films, including “Nobody Killed Jessica” (“Aitbaar”) and “Mirzya” (“Chakora”).

Awards

• GIMA Award for Best Traditional Folk Singer
• Music Diamond of Rajasthan

Favourite Things

• Actors: Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan
• Singers: Rahat Fateh Ali Khan
• Actress: Sridevi

Facts

His journey is filled with interesting anecdotes. He was originally a dholak player, and a memorable incident during a 1999 world tour in Belgium saw him leave his dholak behind, leading to his father suggesting he focus more on singing. This pivotal moment shaped his career trajectory.

Mame Khan’s musical style, Jhagra, incorporates unique instruments like the ‘Kamaicha’ and ‘Khartal’. He’s received numerous childhood accolades for singing at national festivals. His collaboration with Amit Trivedi on Coke Studio, featuring the song “Chaudhary” (also in “Balika Vadhu”), significantly boosted his recognition.

He views music as a mathematical process, emphasizing the mental calculations involved in performance. Despite the Manganiyar tradition’s prohibition against solo singing, he’s established himself as a leading solo artist. He’s openly discussed the challenges faced by Manganiyar singers in gaining recognition in India, contrasting it with their international success.

His culinary skills are as impressive as his musical talents, a passion fostered by his father. He’s even performed for former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi at a young age. Concerned about preserving the oral traditions of his community, Mame Khan actively seeks to document their music for future generations.

His repertoire beautifully blends Sufi poetry (Mira Bai, Kabir, Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, Bulleh Shah, Baba Ghulam Farid) with Bollywood influences. “Kesariya Balam” is one of his famous songs. His involvement in Roysten Abel’s “Manganiyar Seduction” (2006) led to over a hundred global performances.

Mame Khan’s Musical Journey Timeline

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