The confluence of cultures is evident in the music of Joel Sakkari (Sakre). The first time I heard a track from his cheeky EP Raja Has No Friends, I was blown away. It was like listening to two worlds collide - the music I was raised on and the music of the world I was growing into. Neo-retro beats meet the South Indian tracks that I grew up hearing, or at least parts of it. But when collaborating with other artists like Galat Admi like he did at a recent gig in Kochi, Kerala Sakre’s sound is entirely his own, one where nostalgia has paves the way for originality. In many ways, his music reflects the layered experience of contemporary Indian original music - simultaneously looking inward to celebrate their roots and outward to explore global sounds. His sound is also experimental - straddling genres and moods with seamless ease.

When I met him at Sofar Sounds Kochi in November, he mentioned an upcoming event back home in Bangalore that he was gearing up for. Hosted at the incredible Indian Music Experience Museum, Sakre is set to collaborate with Keno Langbein, a German artist whose signature lies in exploring identity, activism, and self-expression through his evocative words. This collaboration, What If It Never Stops Raining, is envisioned as a transformative performance. A blend of music and poetry, that brings together their shared penchant for pushing boundaries while staying rooted in their unique cultural narratives.  

Keno, a Berlin-based songwriter, rapper, and artist, has carved a niche in German pop music with his sharp observations and poetic storytelling. Speaking to topics of activism, cultural reflection, and beyond, Keno has spent the past six weeks as an artist-in-residence at the Indian Music Experience Museum through the bangaloResidency programme organized by the Goethe-Institut in the city. His residency has allowed him to immerse himself in the musical and cultural landscape of India - a perfect set-up to transition into his collaboration with Sakre.  

At its core, What If It Never Stops Raining exemplifies the beauty of collaboration. It could be a poignant reminder of the threads that connect people, despite their seeming differences and find resonance in music.  Keno’s exploration of identity through poetic activism finds a counterpart in Sakre’s inventive beats that celebrate both his heritage and creativity.

They are joined in this performance by award-winning Carnatic classical artist Bindumalini Narayanaswamy, Kannada poet and activist Mamta Sagar and renowned independent artist and urban ecologist Ditty. This event at Indian Music Experience on 21st November 2024, Thursday is free but requires RSVP. 

The duo is also doing an encore performance at Cubbon Park Metro Station on Monday, November 25th. They plan to take to the Concourse area, inside the C entry/exit of the Cubbon Park metro around 6 pm. So even if you can't make it to IME, this is another chance to catch the collaborative marvel that is Sakre X Keno live.

You can learn more here.

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