As Mumbai prepares to be enveloped by the soulful strains of the blues, the Mahindra Blues Festival is all set for its 12th edition with a groundbreaking twist. Scheduled for February 10 and 11, the festival is poised to present a first-of-its-kind all-women lineup. This move is more than just a nod to diversity; it represents a deliberate breakthrough from convention, as the organizers aim to underscore the substantial, albeit occasionally underrepresented, roles women have played in the blues tradition.
The blues genre itself emerged in the Afro-American communities around the 1860s, weaving narratives of discrimination and societal challenges into a tapestry that included ballads, spirituals, and chants. The profound impact of female blues icons from the early 1900s, such as Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith, Etta James, and Billie Holiday, resonates throughout the festival’s ethos.
In an exclusive talk, Jay Shah, Vice President of Cultural Outreach for the Mahindra Group, opened up about the intentions behind this year’s festival, saying that the team sought to “curate a festival that is inclusive in all its textures.” The festival will honor both international blues legends and Indian blues-rock contributors across its various stages including the Polka Dot Parlour, the Soul Strat Saloon, and the Garden Stage, the latter which will spotlight up-and-coming performers from the Mahindra Blues Band Hunt.
Shah also highlighted past editions’ attention to diversity in gender, age, nationality, and blues subgenres, such as Chicago blues and New Orleans blues. Mahindra Blues’ previous lineup drew a crowd of 4,000 fans, and whilst the renditions of various blues types have always been inclusive, the 2024 edition intentionally tips the scales to celebrate female artists.
This deliberate choice aligns with the Mahindra brand’s ethos of supporting women’s empowerment and creating an egalitarian world. Even so, Shah emphasizes that the artist selection process was firmly rooted in merit, stating: “They first had to meet the criteria of excellence.” And indeed, the lineup this year is a testament to that standard.
The festival will feature a medley of seasoned blues women, bringing together homegrown prodigies and established American musicians. India’s own Tipriti Kharbangar from Shillong and Mumbai’s Kanchan Daniel will play along with U.S. artists like Vanessa Collier, Sheryl Youngblood, Beth Hart, Dana Fuchs, and Samantha Fish. Each artist brings to the table her unique musical narrative; Tipriti, with her blend of blues rock reflecting Shillong’s rich musical tapestry, and Kanchan, with her compelling vocals and emotional depth.
Tipriti is not just a vocalist but also a skilled guitarist and co-founder of the band Soulmate, together with Rudy Wallang. Their accolades include prestigious awards such as Best Female Vocalist and Best Guitar Player in the Jack Daniels Rock Awards. Kanchan, fronting the band Kanchan Daniels and the Beards, has solidified her reputation with an eclectic mix of R&B, funk, psychedelic rock, and signature blues since the group’s inception in 2012.
Jay Shah passionately articulated that this all-female lineup is a celebration, a bold statement in the ongoing story of the blues that does more than just showcase talented women. It offers a different facet of the blues experience, one that keeps the spirit of the genre alive and propels it forward.
The vibrant Mehboob Studios in Bandra will be the backdrop for the Mahindra Blues Festival 2024. Those keen to be part of this historic musical narrative can secure their tickets starting at ₹3,999 via BookMyShow. This year’s festival promises to not just echo the past but to sing a chorus for the future, amplifying the rich and powerful voices of women in blues.