Ayub Khan

Ayub Khan is a 21 year old folk performer from Barmer, Rajasthan. He leads the family musician group he tours with and sings and plays the harmonium and occasionally the Sarangi as well. He was taught music by his father who encouraged him to learn music once he expressed and interest and liking towards music. He has been performing with his family for the last two years and he says he chose to work with the musicians from his family who were the best at what they do. He has performed across Jodhpur and Barmer in Rajasthan and also a few countries abroad which he secures through local contacts who forward him opportunities to perform abroad. Ayub has studied until the 4th grade and is married with kids. He regrets not having studied further as he finds it difficult to navigate through the world without having a certain amount of education. He would like for his children to study. Ayub and his group sings and performs the traditional songs of his community and do not write or compose music of their own but would like to in the future. His favorite song to perform is of the Raag Bhairav family and he claims to enjoy singing it as it is one of the most challenging raags to perform. During peak season, Ayub and his band manage to secure 7-8 shows for which he and his band members earn between 3000-7000/person/show. He receives his show bookings from local contacts who forward him with opportunities that they know of in India and abroad. He dreams of being able to work to have his band perform across all cities and towns in India and expand their footprint.