Khumba Ram

An expert Algoza player of the group, Khumba Ram is 40 and has been learning how to play and make Algozas since the age of 10. He has learned this art from his father and says that his ancestors were based in Pakistan and have been engaged in the art of Algoza making since generations. Alghoza is a pair of woodwind instruments adopted by Punjabi, Sindhi, Kutchi, Rajasthani and Baloch folk musicians. It is also called Mattiyan, Jōrhi, Pāwā Jōrhī, Do Nālī, Donāl, Girāw, Satārā or Nagōze. It consists of two joined beak flutes, one for melody, the second for the drone. The flutes are either tied together or maybe held together loosely with the hands.

Khumba hails from a small village near Khuri and has performed at many places in India and wants to perform abroad as well. According to Khumba, Algoza is a difficult instrument to master, as it requires an impeccable perfection of breathing techniques. He has been teaching this art to his kid too. Even though Khumba ’s father has performed abroad, there are no recordings from those times.

Khumba earns a living by making Algoza. An Algoza takes a minimum of 10 to 15 days to make and costs around 8 to 10,000 rupees. He wishes to carry forward this art by the help of kind patrons. One can directly contact Khumba Ram to buy an Algoza.

• Jaisalmer
• Rajasthan