House meets heritage on Hamza Rahimtula & Rajasthan Folkstars’ 'Origins'

Hamza Rahimtula has teamed up with Rajasthan Folkstars for 'Origins', a 10-track album that blends electronic music with traditional Rajasthani folk.

Across ten tracks, the album threads together soulful folk instrumentation—sarangi, algoza, bhapang, morchang—with Afro-house rhythms, acid-tinged textures, and global dancefloor energy.

'Origins' is rooted in the Manganiyar tradition, known for its rich oral history and devotional music. Rather than sampling or remixing, Hamza builds the tracks around the original performances, integrating live instrumentation with steady, club-friendly rhythms.

The Manganiyars, Hamza’s collaborators, are often hailed as the living archives of the Thar Desert—guardians of centuries-old ballads, devotional anthems, and ancestral wisdom passed down through generations. As they famously say, “In our families, when children are born, they cry in tune.”

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The album opens with 'Earth', a percussive tribute to nature, where layered synths and Afro rhythms complement devotional folk singing. 'Sky' follows with melodic sarangi lines over a steady groove, giving the track a playful yet grounded feel.

Tracks like 'Algoza' and 'Morchang Love' highlight specific traditional instruments, from the airy twin flute to the buzzing jaw harp, combining them with stripped-back beats and vocal textures to create hypnotic moods.

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'Ishq Laga Mainu' stands out with its ritualistic tone, mixing warbling synths with sacred folk vocals and deep percussion. Other tracks, such as 'Baras Baras' and 'Kanudo Ni Jaane', draw from devotional themes and Indian mythology, while 'Ghumar' leans into disco influences with light synths and a catchy bassline.

'Gypsy Trail' connects Rajasthani folk with Flamenco, referencing the historic migration of musicians from India to Spain. The album ends with 'Lavar Jivida;, a track that combines a Sufi message of eternal love with an uplifting Afro-Latin groove.

'Origins' is a well-crafted blend of folk tradition and modern sounds offering a listening experience that bridges generations and genres.

Listen here.

Amira Waworuntu is Mixmag Asia’s Managing Editor, follow her on Instagram.

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