Ramprit Yadav

Ramprit Yadav is from Mulhar village in the Azamgarh district of Uttar Pradesh. His father was a singer who sang Dhobhiya songs. His brother, who is now deceased, was also a musician who played the Dholak. He grew up in an atmosphere of music and learnt a variety of genres by himself, including Birha, Awadhi bhajans and Bidesia. He and his group perform at weddings and other gatherings like political rallies and family functions.

He is also fond of writing his own songs to existing folk tunes to give them a fresh twist. He is devoted to Satguru Kabir and writes Nirgun bhajan mostly. Nirgun bhajans talk of an omnipotent, transcendental, formless God that pervades all Reality and that we must be constantly devoted to that God. It talks of the impermanence of life and worldly matters and that a moral life is the only way forward to unite with God. He also writes songs about society and how to improve ourselves.

Alongside these genres, he also sings Sorathi, a ballad that is native to Purvanchal. Sorathi tells the story of Vijay Bhar, a Nayak (chieftain) who goes in search of his lover Sorathi and his adventures along the way. Although Ramprit has only studied till 6th class, he is fluent in both Bhojpuri and Awadhi and is very passionate about writing and singing his songs. Aside from music, he is also a farmer and is also involved in the business of polishing marbles.

• Purvanchal
• Uttar Pradesh