Shubha Mudgal Leads Jackfruit Festival with 194 Young Musicians in Bengaluru
When singer Shubha Mudgal arrives at rehearsal venues for the Jackfruit Festival, the response from young participants is often heartwarming. She recalls two boys from rural Maharashtra who ran towards her with their drums, playing a welcome rhythm as she approached. Other children, she says, were so captivated that they drummed on their knees in response. Such moments define the spirit of the festival, which celebrates musicians under the age of 16 from across India.
The eighth edition of the Jackfruit Festival, organised by Bhoomija Trust in collaboration with Prestige Centre for Performing Arts (PCPA) and the Indian Music Experience (IME), is set to launch next week with 194 children. This year's line-up includes Jackfruit Songsters, a mass ensemble performance of popular songs featuring 150 children; Musicking into the Future, a platform for exceptional prodigies under 14; Kamaal Dhamaal, led by percussionist Aneesh Pradhan, which will present 40 young drummers; and a series of workshops and outreach programmes.
Gayathri Krishna, Managing Trustee of Bhoomija Trust, recalls that when she first approached Shubha Mudgal to be the festival director, the singer agreed immediately. “Shubha really does her research on children in the music sphere and ensures the right children are brought to the festival alongside a range of musicians,” she says. This year marks the first time a song composed by Mudgal will feature in Jackfruit Songsters. Krishna also highlights the festival's commitment to diversity, noting that 50% of the children in Songsters come from underprivileged backgrounds. “I am always looking forward to the children who will come together and create magic on stage,” she adds.
For Shubha Mudgal, who has been associated with the festival for four years, the focus has been on both performance and music education. “My job as a curator is made easy given the massive musical talent in India and the immense diversity in our country,” she says. She adds that children from varied backgrounds, languages, and skill sets display extraordinary maturity in using music to express themselves.
Mudgal emphasises the importance of the support system behind each child. “Our direction is clear; the parents and gurus both have to be in approval of the child performing. We always speak to guardians first and ask them to get the guru's approval. We don't want to put undue pressure on children,” she explains. The selection process runs through the year, involving listening to recommendations from accompanying artistes, working with organisations like People's Archive of Rural India (PARI), and reaching out to gurus who teach young children. Mudgal notes that parents also approach them directly, and inclusivity remains key, with children coming from elite urban schools, remote music schools, and far-flung villages.
Jackfruit Songsters, directed by Shubha Mudgal and Aneesh Pradhan, was launched at last year's edition and brings together 150 children. The production will feature songs by musicians including B Jayashree, Vasuki Vaibhav, Mohammad Muneem Nazir and Alif, Rajib Das, Dhammrakshit Randive, Asinta Asur, Roshni Asur, and Lata Ku. The festival continues to provide a rare platform for young musical talent from across the country, fostering both artistic excellence and cultural exchange.
