Motiram, 52, is an artist in the folk music spectrum of Braj in Uttar Pradesh. Motiram hails from Baad village of Agra district and belongs to the Kori Community. He lives with his wife, 2 sons, 1 son, and his parents. Having graduated in the field of Humanities, he chose music for a living. Motiram started learning music from his Guru Shree Manoj Sharma, who acquainted him with Tabla lessons. He also happens to be his prime inspiration to have made him believe in music in its truest sense. Additionally, he is a trained vocalist and learned the art from a Guru in Agra. He cherishes both folk and classical forms of music. Being trained from the prestigious Agra Gharana, he has done Prabhakar in tabla and has a senior diploma in vocals. Even though he has a classical background in the music field, he still considers himself to be a folk musician. His proficiency is in the folk music of Braj (Braj ke lokgeet). To talk of his favourites, Motiram loves adores performing Rasiya and Hori, which is quite evident, even in their group performances. Along with the group of musicians led by Tejpal Singh, he has performed in almost all districts of Uttar Pradesh and remembers his 1st performance in a local mela with much fondness. He strongly believes that music is a very spiritual journey and feels that teaching music is of prominent service (Sewa) to mankind. Motiram performs for his contentment and does not charge any money for his performances or teachings, instead, he accepts whatever is given to him with utmost devotion(Bhakti Bhava). He endeavours to have his Music Institute (Vidyalaya) and wants to create music till his last breath. One of his wishes is to record folk music in the studios so that the sound of Braj can be preserved and spread globally.
- Braj
- Uttar Pradesh