Ghazal singer, Kiran Ahluwalia, released her fifth album, Aam Zameen: Common Ground, last year. This won her second Juno award for Best World Music Album. Kiran's musical style is known for fusing other music with ghazals, such as Portuguese fado and Tuareg blues. The infamous cover of Mustt Mustt in collaboration with the Malian blues group, Tinariwen, also gained much fame over the past year. Sarika Mehta spoke with Kiran at her home in New York City, while she was on a short break from her European tour.
Sri Lankan American blues singer, Bhi Bhiman, released his second album, Bhiman, this past January. Born in St. Louis, MO, he currently resides in San Francisco, CA. His unique style is influenced by Blind Blake, Nina Simone and others. Sarika Mehta spoke with him in Washington, DC, while he was on tour. This interview features three songs: Time Heals, Kimchee Line and Guttersnipe.