Biography

‘Moarenla’ which means blessed one in Ao Naga dialect, was born in Manipur in the North East of India, and later moved and spent her childhood years in Dimapur, Nagaland, where she studied in a Christian Missionary School.

During her school years she was introduced to Gospel music, and learnt about vocal techniques, harmonies and western classical music. She spent many years learning and singing  in her School and College Choirs.

She moved to Rajasthan after college for work, where she met and later married Adi Bhasin who was a musician and producer of acclaimed contemporary folk band – Rajasthan Roots.

From 2010 onwards she spent 14 years working with the folk musicians of Rajasthan, learning their music and instruments, and exploring the Sufi and spiritual music of Rajasthan and the Sindh.  She performed and travelled worldwide with the band and also collaborated with them in acclaimed TV programmes such as Coke Studios @ MTV and the Dewarists on Star World.

Her international tours and collaborations include a Europe tour in 2011 with ‘Cocorosie’ a folk punk band from the US. The tour spanned one month with shows in a dozen European Countries. She also met and performed with Austrian Gypsy Jazz Guitarist Harri Stojka in Austria, Performed with Diane Cluck folk singer / Songwriter from USA, Levan ‘Buddaza’ from Austria, and

Her musical influences became many, and ranged from her own culture in the North East of India to that of Rajasthan. Passionate about exploring folk cultures worldwide, she was captivated by the Mali and African Blues, Gnawa music of Morocco, and the Gitano – Roma – Gypsy music of Europe. Collectively all these musical influences are quite evident in her songs and vocal style.

The Band

‘Moarenla’ live combines various folk instruments such as Dautara ( 5 string Banjo), Morchang (Jews Harp), Bamboo Flute, Algoza (double flute), Bhapang (one string fiddle) Khanjira (small drum), Daff (sheep skin percussion) with western instruments such as Guitar, Bass, Western Drums, to create a truly modern folk sound.

The set ranges from 60 – 90 minutes and has everything from soft and soulful folk opera, to moody Naga Blues, as well as fast and Rhythmic folk funk, and dance music!  There are 5 – 6 musicians on stage, featuring many multi-instrumentalists and multiple vocalists creating captivating vocal harmonies with Moarenla.