Mangey Khan, the renowned lead vocalist of the Barmer Boys, a celebrated Rajasthani folk band, passed away at the age of 49 after recently undergoing heart surgery. Fondly known as Manga, Khan’s death marks a tragic loss for the world of Indian folk music. He leaves behind his wife and three children.
Ashutosh Sharma, founder of Amarrass Records, which represented the Barmer Boys, shared Khan’s poignant final words before he entered the hospital: “Tabiyat zordaar, miltey hain, operation ke baad” (Health is strong, we’ll meet after the operation). Sadly, Khan did not survive the surgery.
Khan’s journey with Amarrass Records began in 2010 in Ramsar village, Barmer, Rajasthan. Initially accompanying Rukma Bai, the first female Manganiyar singer to perform publicly, Khan’s immense vocal talent soon became evident. His powerful renditions of traditional Rajasthani folk songs, such as “Challa Challa” and “Pir Jalani”, led to the formation of the Barmer Boys, who debuted at the Amarrass Desert Music Festival in 2011.
Under Khan’s leadership, the Barmer Boys quickly gained international acclaim, becoming global ambassadors of Rajasthani folk music. They performed at prestigious events worldwide, including Coke Studio, NH7, the Winnipeg Folk Festival, and WOMAD. Despite being unable to read or write, Khan was revered for his magnetic connection with audiences, his Sufi-inspired music, and his infectious smile.
Throughout his illustrious career, Khan collaborated with renowned artists such as Khaled, Vieux Farka Tourè, and Fatoumata Diawara. The Barmer Boys garnered recognition in notable outlets like NPR Music, Rolling Stone India, and the BBC World Service. Their performances helped introduce the vibrant sound of contemporary Rajasthani folk to a global audience.
Ashutosh Sharma reflected on the depth of this loss: “He was a dear friend, an amazing soul with an extraordinary voice. His tragic death at such a young age is a huge loss not just for his family and us, but for the music world. He leaves behind a void that cannot be filled.”
As he prepared to travel to Barmer for Khan’s last rites, Sharma reminisced about the close bond they shared: “As I pack for the drive to meet his family, I am getting flashbacks of our good times together… The days when we practiced a new version of the song ‘Pir Jalani’ for Coke Studios on the terrace of my house… and, almost unbearable, his loud ‘Zordaar!’ whenever he loved something. That voice, that smile will remain in my heart forever.”
Sources By Agencies
