Brothers Rafik and Latif Khan, from the village of Hamira in Jaisalmer District, Rajasthan, India continue the centuries-old musical tradition of Manganiyar music. Seventh generation keepers and masters of the ancient bowed lute instrument - the kamaicha, they further the legacy of their grandfather, the late Padma Shri Sakar Khan, a legendary kamaicha maestro, and their parents/uncles, the brothers Ghewar, Firoze and Dara Khan.

 

These young masters present an enthralling display of mastery of their instruments and voices in harmony that that only decades of playing together can achieve. Learning in the lap of their grandfathar Sakar ba, as they would fondly call him, the brothers Rafik and Latif learnt their forefathers' songs—devotional songs sung in praise of the many gods and goddesses, poems, songs about the natural world and its inhabitants, wedding songs, bhajans and Sufi kalaams. Singing in several languages including Marwardi, Seraiki, Sindhi, Hindi and Braj Bhasha, their songbook includes songs by the famous poets of the Indian subcontinent including Kabir, Baba Bulleh Shah, Amir Khusrao and others. A formidable wall of sound featuring the sonorous notes of the 14 stringed kamaicha, the highs and lows of the dholak (double headed Indian folk drum), matka (clay pot), khartal (a pair of wooden castanets), and the powerful voices of brothers Rafik and Latif Khan. 

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The brothers started performing in public at a very young age, and have toured around the world as part of the supergroup 'The Manganiyar Seduction', with shows including White Light Festival, The Kennedy Center, WOMAD Adelaide, Perth International Arts Festival, Jodhpur RIFF and more. Latif Khan and his mastery of the dholak have been recognized by Jawahar Kala Kendra, Jaipur Virasat Foundation, and through television appearances on India's Got Talent and Rising Star.

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The Hamira Brothers are produced and managed by Ankur Malhotra (who has the rare privilege and fortune to have worked with their grandfather late Padma Shri Sakar Khan, as well as their fathers/uncles Ghewar, Firoze and Dara, along with other legendary artists from the region including Padma Shri Lakha Khan, and pioneering contemporary folk group Barmer Boys), The Hamira Brothers bring fresh light to songs both popular and forgotten, transcending traditional musical boundaries, and leading the roots revival of Rajasthani folk music. 

 

Key Features of The Hamira Brothers:

• 7th generation of musician brothers

• A duo presenting a powerful sound with complimenting vocal harmonies, four instruments, and several languages, showcasing the vibrant and rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan 

• Songs for many occasions - from spiritual Sufi kalaams and Hindu bhajans, to folk rap, trance inducing jugalbandis and celebratory folk music

 

BOOKING WORLDWIDE - 2026/2027

Touring group: 3 (2 artists + 1 Manager)

Worldwide bookings: Ankur Malhotra/Aural Grooves/Madison Music Review LLC

Europe bookings: Marisa Segala/Crossover Frequencies

Contact: ankur at auralgrooves dot com