If you aren’t aware about her already, let us introduce you to Pragnya Wakhlu. Born in Srinagar and raised in Pune, the New-Delhi based Kashmiri musician, composer, and activist has lived out of the state but has a strong connection with her roots. An award winning singer, songwriter and guitarist, her songs are about inner reflection, thoughts, feelings and issues she feels strongly about. And now after a successful debut solo album, she has returned with her sophomore effort, ‘Kahwa Speaks‘.
‘Kahwa Speaks‘ is a movement that comprises of an experimental six-track Kashmiri-English album and an audio-visual tour. The ambitious effort aims to introduce the world to the hidden facets of Kashmiri culture by means of an audio-visual performance and story-telling. Her latest album has been crafted as a body of work which aims to regenerate interest in the language and preserve the dying culture.
The album also features the previously released single ‘Burning Fire‘ which combines Tibetan lyrics with its English counterparts. Not only does the dedicated effort aim to bring awareness to the often ignored and very critical issue of self immolation in the Tibetan community, but also to highlight the struggle to preserve their identity. Released alongside a music video that has already received airplay on VH1 and U.S. television channels, you can watch it below.
A highly refreshing and commendable effort from Pragnya, fans can donate towards their crowd-funding campaign for the audio-visual tour and the music video which would enable them to expand even further and take the movement worldwide. Those who wish to contribute can head towards here.
‘Kahwa Speaks‘ is out now via Songdew as part of their Songdew fresh campaign! You can grab your copy here.