Ahluwalia, Kiran

Classically trained with a strong contemporary edge, Kiran Ahluwalia sings of Sufi mysticism and the larger human condition. Born In India, living in New York City, Kiran studied Indian music since childhood. Winning two JUNOs (Canadian Grammy) and a Songlines/WOMAD Award - Kiran has over the course of six albums created a style uniquely her own. The beautiful harmonies and addictive guitar riffs of partner Rez Abbasi, a Pakistani born, NYC jazz guitarist, opened new colours and influenced Kiran to compose in a modern sensibility. This, and a deep love of trancy rhythms of the Sahara masterfully played on Nitin Mitta’s tabla have shaped the songs on the new album Sanata : Stillness. Released this March, the album entered WMCE at number 3. Writing words and music, Kiran’s songs speak about: fighting a civil war within ourselves, realizing female desire by throwing away shame and untying knots that bind us to stale embraces. She has toured festivals and concert theatres such as Switzerland’s Paleo, India’s Jaipur Literature Festival, NYC’s Lincoln Centre and Mali’s festival au desert. Possessed with a voice of strength and character, national UK magazine fRoots describes her as: ‘A voice destined to enchant more than one generation.'