Top 10 Folk Singers

Top 10 Folk Singers Who Left an Unforgettable Mark on Traditional Music

Folk music is more than just a genre—it's a powerful reflection of regional identity, storytelling, and cultural pride. Across India, folk singers have preserved this priceless musical tradition by passing it from one generation to the next, often with little recognition. Fortunately, some artists have broken through, gaining national and even international acclaim for their authentic and soul-stirring contributions.

Voices That Echo Tradition: The Folk Legends

1. Geeta Ben Rabari - The Voice of Kutch

Geeta Ben Rabari, known affectionately as the "Kutchi Koyal," is one of the most celebrated voices from Gujarat. She brings to life the raw emotions and festive spirit of Kutchi and Gujarati traditions through her vibrant voice and traditional attire.

• Rose to fame with viral performances on social media.
• Sings in Kutchi and Gujarati, focusing on traditional and devotional themes.
• Popular songs include “Rona Ser Ma,” “Eklo Rabari.”
• Actively promotes rural culture at state and national events.

2. Ila Arun - The Folk Diva of India

Ila Arunis a powerhouse of Rajasthani folk whose unique husky voice brought folk to mainstream Bollywood. Her songs often fuse folk with contemporary and theatrical elements, making them widely popular.

• Famous for hit songs like “Resham Ka Rumal” and “Choli Ke Peeche.”
• Known for bold stage presence and fusion performances.
• Worked in film, theatre, and TV to popularize folk.
• Promotes Rajasthani instruments and costumes in her acts.

3. Hansraj Raghuwanshi - The Bhakti-Folk Star

A young sensation from Himachal Pradesh,Hansraj Raghuwanshi became a household name with his devotional and folk blend. His music reflects the simplicity and spirituality of hill life.

• Viral hit “Mera Bhola Hai Bhandari” made him a youth icon.
• Combines Himachali folk tunes with Shiva devotion.
• Brings a modern feel to traditional Bhakti singing.
• A regular performer at devotional events and festivals.

4. Mame Khan - The Global Face of Rajasthani Folk

Mame Khan is a torchbearer of Manganiyar tradition, performing age-old Rajasthani songs with incredible energy. His global appeal lies in his ability to fuse folk with world music.

• Known for his work in Coke Studio India.
• Songs like “Chaudhary” and “Kesariya Balam” gained international fame.
• Performs with traditional Rajasthani attire and instruments.
• Has taken folk to global festivals like WOMAD and SXSW.

5. Kanwar Grewal - The Sufi-Folk Mystic

Kanwar Grewal's hauntingly spiritual voice takes listeners on a deep emotional and spiritual journey. His music is rooted in Punjab's Sufi and Malwai folk traditions.

• Popular for tracks like “Akhan,” “Ranjheya,” and “Baba Nanak.”
• Known for minimal instrumentation and raw, live singing.
• Explores deep themes like ego, love, and God.
• Revered by Sufi music lovers and spiritual circles alike.

6. Malini Awasthi - The Queen of Awadhi Folk

Malini Awasthi is a celebrated Hindustani classical and folk singer specializing in Awadhi, Bhojpuri, and Hindi dialects. Her mission has been to revive and sustain the dying dialects through melodious storytelling.

• Awarded Padma Shri for her contribution to Indian folk music.
• Performs Kajri, Thumri, and Chaiti with authenticity.
• Represents India in cultural diplomacy abroad.
• A regular on Doordarshan and cultural festivals nationwide.

7. Nooran Sisters - The Energetic Sufi-Folk Duo

Jyoti and Sultana Nooran, popularly known as the Nooran Sisters , are known for their explosive vocals rooted in Punjabi folk and Sufi styles. Their high-octane energy on stage is matched by their soulful renditions.

• Gained fame with “Tung Tung” in Coke Studio and “Patakha Guddi” in Bollywood.
• Trained under their father Ustad Gulshan Mir.
• Promote Punjabi Sufi kalams and traditional music.
• Popular among youth for their contemporary folk flair.

8. Roohani Sisters - Soulful Sufi & Spiritual Folk Singers

The Roohani Sisters , Dr. Jagriti Luthra Prasanna and Neeta Pandey Negi, are known for their powerful spiritual and Sufi-folk performances. Their focus is on conveying peace, love, and harmony through devotional music.

• Specialize in Qawwali, Bhajans, and Sufi folk.
• Regular performers at spiritual gatherings and cultural forums.
• Blend classical training with folk traditions.
• Aim to revive women's voices in the Sufi tradition.

9. Gajee Khan - The Desert Voice of Langha Tradition

From Rajasthan's Langha community, Gajee Khan is known for keeping alive ancient desert tunes through traditional instruments like the sarangi and algoza. His deep-rooted style makes every performance a cultural experience.

• Represents the Langha folk singing lineage from Barmer.
• Known for soulful renditions of “Kesariya” and Sufi kalams.
• Performs with ancestral instruments and authentic costumes.
• Promotes lesser-known desert folk forms globally.

10. Aditya Gadhvi - The New-Age Voice of Gujarat

Aditya Gadhvi is a young sensation in Gujarati folk and devotional music. With his striking voice and modern interpretation, he has become a bridge between the older and younger generations.

• Famous for songs like “Naagar Nandji Na Laal” and “Khalasi.”
• Combines traditional Gujarati Garba and Sugam Sangeet with freshness.
• Performs across global Gujarati communities and Navratri events.
• Actively revives old Bhakti songs in a modern voice.

The Role of Folk Singers in Cultural Preservation

Folk singers serve as custodians of our intangible heritage. They don't just sing—they narrate stories of ancestors, echo regional dialects, and keep the customs of their communities alive. In an era of digital music and mass consumption, these artists act as a bridge between the past and the present.

Their performances at festivals, religious gatherings, and even on global platforms reaffirm the relevance of folk traditions in a modern setting. They are often involved in educating the next generation, ensuring that traditional instruments, songs, and dance forms don't fade into obscurity.

Why Folk Music Still Matters

Folk music is more than entertainment; it's an emotional and cultural experience. Whether it's a Garba in Gujarat, a Sufi evening in Punjab, or a spiritual song from Himachal, these performances resonate deeply with the soul. Folk music promotes unity, speaks the language of the common people, and celebrates diversity within India.

Hiring or featuring a folk singer at your event doesn't just enhance the ambiance—it also supports the continuity of traditional art. Platforms like Hire4Event can help event planners and cultural organizers connect with these incredible artists for performances that are authentic, engaging, and unforgettable.

Final Thoughts

The journey of these folk singers is a testament to the power of tradition in a rapidly changing world. They've transformed regional stories into universal experiences and inspired countless others to take pride in their roots. By celebrating and supporting these artists, we keep alive a vital piece of India's soul.