Kesariya Balam: Summer Release

Composer Samira R. Noorali brings you an exciting arrangement of a devotional tune that is attributed to a lovely folk singer in India named Allah Jilai Bai. Kesariya Balam, while not from the Ismaili Muslim tradition, deeply resonates with Ismailis across the world. Recomposed to sound almost like a western “church” song, Noorali’s work on Kesariya Balam brings together her passion for Eastern and Western classical genres.  

Borrowing from Raag Mand and incorporating bold choral counterpoints, Kesariya Balam is folky and ethereal all at once. 

The full vocal ensemble that has participated in live performances as well as the recordings of Kesariya Balam consists of Nabeel Muscatwalla, Rahila Babar, Shahana Jaffer, Farah Mitha, Nida Moledina, Saif Sattani, and Kanwal Sumnani.

In this particular track, you’ll hear the voices of Rahila, Farah, Nida, Samira, Saif, and Kanwal.

On piano is Samira Noorali. 

Ian Thomas at Lucky Run Studio helped to create all of the vocal recordings. His work truly demonstrated a love for and respect of the choral genre and we were lucky to work with someone of his abilities and helpful attitude.

Many thanks to Kim Anderson from Ithaca, New York for her consulting work on this project. Kim Anderson has been involved in IOD as a consultant for sometime now, providing guidance and infinite patience as musical problems were solved!

Special gratitude to Farah Remtulla and Hakims’ Studio for creating the lovely video for YouTube and toiling through an actual sunflower field to make those gorgeous shots happen.

Are you ready for the full experience? Click here to learn how to purchase or stream the song!

Text and translation of the portions of the song used for Noorali’s rendition

Kesariya Balam, padharo mhare des

Saffron beloved, come to my land

Padharoji, padharoji!

Come, come!

Saajan! Saajan! Mein karun

Lover! Lover! I call out!

Saajan aaya

The lover has come!