Nestled in the lush landscapes of Assam, Jutimala Buragohain embarked on a mission to preserve and modernize the music of the Tai Ahom community. As the founder and lead artist of the ethno-rock band Jutimala and the Tai Folks, she skillfully blended the timeless traditions of her culture with contemporary musical styles. However, her path to success was fraught with challenges.
For years, Jutimala’s music career was stifled by the presence of middlemen who dominated the local music industry. These intermediaries exploited her talent, taking significant portions of her earnings and leaving her with limited control over her work. The financial constraints and lack of autonomy kept her ambitions grounded, making it difficult to bring her creative visions to life.
Through the BackPack Studio initiative, Anahad recognized her extraordinary talent and offered her a platform to regain control over her music. We documented her performances professionally and created a digital presence for her, including a personalized webpage with direct contact information. For the first time, Jutimala was free from the grip of middlemen, empowered to manage her bookings and earnings independently.
This newfound autonomy proved to be a game-changer. Jutimala reinvested her income into her band, upgrading instruments, improving production quality, and expanding her repertoire. Her big break came at Bhoomi 2022, where she introduced traditional Tai Ahom songs to a global audience. Her innovative approach, blending ethereal Tai Ahom sounds with the energy of rock, captivated listeners and catapulted her to international acclaim.
From performing on local stages in Assam, Jutimala soon found herself playing at prestigious venues across India, Thailand, and even London’s Times Square. Her ability to seamlessly merge traditional and modern music not only delighted audiences but also elevated the profile of Tai Ahom culture on the world stage.
Jutimala’s journey didn’t stop at personal success. Recognizing the struggles faced by other artists in similar circumstances, she began advocating for fair practices in the music industry. Her workshops and mentorship programs empowered emerging musicians to navigate the industry with confidence and protect their creative rights. By sharing her story, she inspired countless artists to embrace self-reliance and take control of their artistic journeys.
Today, Jutimala Buragohain is celebrated as a trailblazer. Her story is one of resilience, innovation, and empowerment, proving that with the right support and determination, artists can overcome systemic barriers and thrive. Through her music, she has preserved the heritage of the Tai Ahom community while inspiring a new generation of musicians to dream beyond limits.
Jutimala’s journey reflects the transformative impact of Anahad’s initiatives, showing how the elimination of barriers and the empowerment of artists can lead to extraordinary achievements.
