Musafir, "The wanderers", hail from the desert land of Rajasthan, in the North West of India, which was walked upon by emperors, maharajas and their courts. The original land of the gypsies, troubadours and wandering musicians, who entertained those. A land of ancient musical and spiritual tradition. These artists, sacred bearers of various religions, go on pilgrimages to places such as Baba Ramdev's temple in Runija or at Sufi Gharib Niwas in Ajmer.The Saints are worshiped by both Hindus and Muslims. All ethnic groups share a common history, yet, their interpretations are very personal. Muslims use traditional and sophisticated themes , drawn from the classical tradition, the gypsies, usually Hindus, perform interesting music and dances, based on mythological themes. The Sapera, known as the snake charmers, belong to the most ancient gypsy tradition, live and perform with snakes, the guardian of spiritual truth. We find numerous troubadours, puppeteers, bears trainers and other fakirs entertaining people in the streets and villages with illusion and magic. Hameed Khan "Kawa" is the creator and artistic director of Jaipur Kawa Brass Band and Musafir and comes from Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan.His father and forefathers were musicians, exponents of both folk and classical Indian music. He is a master tabla player and after arriving in France in 1984, Hameed spread his culture in a particular way, sharing it with artists of different persuasions. The Trio Erik Marchand, was created as a subtile fusion of French Brittany, Arabian and Rajasthani traditions. Hameed Khan also played with musicians such as Narendra Batajou, Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, Lakshmi Shankar, Chico Bouchikhi(Gypsy King),Najat Aatabou,Thierry Robin "Gitans", Lo'Jo Triban, Natacha Atlas… In 1995, using this occidental experience, Hameed decided to present his own traditional heritage: the music and dance of Rajasthan.Musafir was born… a colorful mix of performers coming from all corners of the Thar desert. Each of them, has an individual interpretation of a lyrical and musical heritage. The Sapera and Kalbelya sing, play the double flute, the murchang, dance. The Langas and Manghanyar are renowned wandering poets who sing a wide repertoire of ancient Rajasthani songs and play the sarangi. Classical musicians sing and play the tablas. Court musicians sing and play the harmonium, the dholak. Fakirs perform and dance .etc. In a very elaborate performance, Hameed Khan brings you to the heart of the desert beat. There are elaborate rhythms, virtuous improvisations, which add to a visual delight of dancers, whose contortions imitate the dance of the cobra, also a true fakir with few tricks… Since 1996, Musafir has been touring Europe successfully, appearing in festivals like Sfinks (Belgium), Couleur Café (Belgium), Gentse Feesten (Belgium), Vooruit (Gent), Botanique (Brussel), Womad, Re-Orient, Roskilde, WDR, Druga Godba, Rudolstadt, Mediterraneo, Mar de musicas, at Queen Elisabeth Hall; on television like WDR, RAI, 3SAT, NOX; on radio on European world charts… CD: Musafir "Gypsies of Rajasthan". Blue Flame rec.BMG BF39850062.