A captivating vocalist hailing from London, Bhavik Haria transcends the role of a mere singer, emerging as a unifying voice for Bhajans and a versatile artist deeply entrenched in diverse musical traditions. In 2020, recognising a waning interest in Bhajans (traditional devotional songs), he initiated the #KeepBhajansAlive campaign. Recently, he has launched his first album called ‘Sama- Songs of virtue’. This album reflects a universal journey we all share – a search for connection, unity, and balance in a world that often feels chaotic. Like a symphony, each Bhajan on “Sama” weaves together beautiful melodies with a deep spiritual essence.
In conversation with Asian Voice, Bhavik delved into the inspiration behind his latest album, exploring themes of gratitude, compassion, and forgiveness. He also elaborated on the profound influence of South Asian heritage on his music and various other aspects of his artistic journey.
What inspired you to create "Sama - Songs of Virtue"? Can you tell us more about the journey that led to this album?
‘Sama’, this project has been two years in the making. It's a significant departure for me as I delve into original music, marking a milestone in my nearly two-decade-long journey as a singer. Until now, my focus has been on devotional songs, Bhajans, and Kirtans, all rooted in centuries-old compositions. This marks the first time I'm venturing into creating my own music, with new compositions and lyrics. The journey has been enriching, with about 75% of the production based in the UK. Our lyricist, Ajay Chandaran, and producer, Kaykay Chauhan, are both UK-based, while the remaining percentage involves collaborating with emerging artists from Mumbai, India, who contribute with their instrumental prowess.
How did you come up with the idea to explore themes like gratitude, compassion, and forgiveness in your music?
Traditionally, Bhajans and Kirtans are often dedicated to specific deities like Ram or Krishna. However, I wanted to create something more universal, applicable to anyone, regardless of their beliefs. Whether you worship God, a higher power, or a guru, I wanted these songs to resonate with everyone. So, we selected themes like gratitude, new beginnings, and the celebration of life – themes that reflect the experiences we all encounter on our life's journey. We've coined these songs as "virtue songs" to encapsulate their essence.
Can you walk us through your creative process for this album? How did you blend the musical influences from both the UK and India?
Once we had the compositions in place, Kaykay, a musical Maestro and established artist in the UK, presented about 20 different compositions to me. We began by humming them together, selecting the ones that best suited my voice. From there, we linked each song to a specific theme, such as forgiveness or gratitude. For instance, the forgiveness song, titled ‘Show Me the Way’, features Vanraj Shastri, a Sarangi player from Mumbai. Depending on the desired atmosphere, we carefully selected instruments that would complement each theme. All recordings from India were done remotely, with sessions conducted over Zoom or WhatsApp calls while they recorded live.
How has your South Asian heritage influenced your music, particularly in "Sama - Songs of Virtue"?
The music I grew up with has had the most profound influence on me, shaping my identity and passion. To preserve this heritage, I initiated the hashtag #KeepBhajansAlive during the lockdown. My aim is to revitalise this traditional music by infusing it with contemporary elements. We're experimenting with new styles, such as incorporating saxophone, guitar, and drums, to breathe new life into these timeless melodies. However, amidst innovation, it's crucial to ensure the essence of our cultural heritage remains intact. My ultimate goal is to elevate Bhajans to the forefront, akin to genres like R&B and hip-hop, introducing this soulful music to a wider audience.
How do you engage with your audience and fans? Are there any memorable interactions or feedback that have particularly touched you?
Social media plays a significant role in today's world, and we leverage it extensively to connect with our audience. Personally, I handle all content publication and engagement, whether it's replying to comments or sharing user-generated content. Additionally, I prioritise interacting with fans after every concert through meet-and-greet sessions. Recently, during my first international tour in South Africa, where we performed seven shows across various cities, the response from the audience was truly phenomenal.
I launched a show on YouTube during the lockdown called "Bhajans with Bhavik," and it truly opened doors for me. Without it, I wouldn't be where I am today. Surprisingly, we have garnered a massive following not only in South Africa but also in Canada, Kenya, and even India, despite the abundance of talent there. My plan is to connect with all these supporters in person over the next couple of years.
One memorable experience that stands out is when a family approached me after a performance. It consisted of a young child, their parents, and a grandparent. They shared with me how, in the past, it was the grandparent who used to share videos of singing bhajans, passing down their tradition. However, now the dynamic had shifted, with the younger generation enthusiastically sharing the videos with their grandparent, having developed a deep appreciation for the music and its meaning.
