Dhoad Gypsies

The core of this ensemble is formed by three brothers whose family has played an outstanding role in the music of Rajasthan for the last seven generations. Led by the tabla virtuoso Rahis Bharti, the Dhoad Gypsies from the Thar Desert perform a diverse repertoire of old songs and their own compositions, in an “emotive and rousing style of unparalleled rhythmic complexity and speed“ (Folk Roots).

With its tabla solos, buzzing sounds of the jaw harp, ultra-fast whips and voices trained in the tradition of Quawwali song – no wonder that the musical caste of the Dhoad people used to play for the Maharajas. Now, they are conquering concert halls around the world: in the last seven years, they have played some 700 concerts in 50 different countries! Rajasthan, the land of the gypsies, is the home of snake charming. A snake charmer and a fakir are also part of the Dhoad show.