For composers, musicians and collaborator duo Mukhtiyar Ali and Mathias Duplessy, nothing means more than connecting with people through their message of love in their music.
The popular duo, who created memorable tunes in Finding Fanny and Peepli Live , were in Bengaluru recently to perform in a world fusion concert at Windmills Craftworks.
Connecting with the common language of music, Rajasthani Sufi singer Mukhtiyar Ali on harmonium and voice teamed up with French artiste Mathias Duplessy on guitar, voice and percussions seven years ago resulting in one of the finest east-west collaboration in recent times.
The duo shares the same enthusiasm about Bengaluru. “I was here five years ago and I love coming back here. The people love music and are very laidback,” says Mathias. Mukhtiyar agrees: “Bangalore is my heart. Every time I perform here I experience a new Bangalore. This time I’m with my friend and brother Matthias.”
With a mutual bonding, the composer pair says their hearts are stirred by each other’s music. “When I met Mukhtiyar in 2008, his music was transparent and from the heart. Since then we have been composing together. We are like brothers now.” Mukhtiyar adds: “We never thought we would come so far and make this kind of new music. The first time I heard him, his music really connected with my heart.”
Outlining their journey these last six years, he says they are on an adventure together. “We are different, our languages and our backgrounds are different, but our music is what brings us together. I understand him through his music and we have the same electrifying effect on our listeners. Now our effect has been doubled and we can do a lot more and give a lot more to people.”
Following the release of their album Jeena Jeena in Paris in 2011, the artistes say they are on the path of discovery. “We discover something in each song and we realise the need to learn every day. Our vision is to connect humanity with the message of love.”
When people listen to their music, the biggest message they would like them to take back is to remove all the boundaries in their lives. Mukhtiyar explains: “Everyone has put walls around themselves – walls of religion, nationality and other borders. We need to bring these walls down. Mathias and I are an example. He’s from France and I’m from Rajasthan and yet we are brothers. Only love through music can bridge these differences.”
Bringing music that ranges from Kabir’s lyrics to poetry and inspired by Rajasthani folk, flamenco, blues, reggae, African, Japanese and Mongolian music, the duo presents songs that are varied in soundscape and yet have a style of their own. “It’s a special kind of jugalbandi,” Mukhtiyar says.
To anyone who aspires to thread the same path, Mathias says: “Follow your heart. Be open and very careful with everything around you.” His partner adds: “A musician’s heart should be soft and receptive. Have love towards your music, not pride and make sure you spread that love.”
The double act plan to visit India again in October with more musicians and collaborations and chorus:
“We will bring in a lot of new musicians from across different backgrounds and further our cause of love through music.”
