The Indian Performing Right Society Ltd. (IPRS) is set to return to the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival (KGAF) 2026, reaffirming its commitment to original, licensed music and fair remuneration for creators. Hosted at Cross Maidan, Mumbai, the IPRS Stage will present a purpose-led music showcase that brings together regional pride, spiritual heritage, and contemporary expression, while underlining the critical role of music licensing in sustaining India’s creative ecosystem.
As one of Mumbai’s most anticipated cultural events, KGAF is known for its vibrant mix of art, music, and heritage. This year, the IPRS Stage aligns with the organisation’s ongoing advocacy for lawful music usage, positioning music not merely as entertainment but as intellectual property that must be respected, licensed, and valued.
The IPRS Stage opens on 1 February 2026 with an electrifying performance by Black Sapphire, a popular Goan band known for its original Konkani repertoire, medleys, and high-energy live sets. Having performed across major Indian cities as well as internationally in England and Scotland, the band brings to Kala Ghoda a dynamic blend of regional identity and contemporary sound.
The band features Alison Gonsalves (Lead Singer & Songwriter), Ancy Gonsalves (Lead Female Singer), Anthon Bringel (Drums), Brendon Monteiro (Lead Guitar), Cyrus Fernandes (Bass Guitar), and Cio Carvalho (Keyboards).
Alison Gonsalves, Lead Singer and Songwriter, Black Sapphire, said, “Original music is deeply personal, especially when it comes from a regional language and lived culture. Platforms like the IPRS Stage at Kala Ghoda validate our work and help audiences connect more deeply with the stories and identities behind the music.”
Through its original compositions and dynamic arrangements, Black Sapphire exemplifies how regional language music, when protected and licensed, can transcend geographical boundaries and connect with global audiences.
On 6 February 2026, the IPRS Stage will present Abhijit Pohankar’s Global Varkari Project, a musical journey that bridges Maharashtra’s centuries-old Varkari Bhakti tradition with contemporary global soundscapes. Conceived by renowned composer and music innovator Abhijit Pohankar, the project draws inspiration from the devotional poetry of saint-poets such as Sant Dnyaneshwar, Sant Namdev, Sant Chokhamela, Sant Eknath, and Sant Tukaram.
Rooted in the Wari pilgrimage tradition dedicated to Lord Vitthal of Pandharpur, the Global Varkari Project reimagines Abhangs, Kirtans, Gavlan, Bharud, and Vaghya-Murali through a modern, world-music lens. Traditional instruments, including the Veena/Ektara, Sambhal, Dholki, and Pakhawaj, blend seamlessly with global elements such as drums, acoustic guitar, and digital piano, creating a spiritually grounded yet globally accessible musical experience.
Abhijit Pohankar, Composer and Concept Creator, Global Varkari Project, shared, “The Varkari music tradition belongs to an ancient Marathi devotional sect rooted in the Bhakti movement. It emphasizes love for God over rituals and promotes social equality and righteousness through musical forms such as Abhang and Kirtan. Through the Global Varkari Project, we will be presenting this ancient Varkari music with a modern sound. Platforms like the IPRS Stage play an important role in ensuring that folk and traditional music continue to be seen, heard, and experienced with dignity, relevance, and respect in today’s world.”
Highlighting the broader vision behind the initiative, Rakesh Nigam, CEO, IPRS, said: Platforms like the IPRS Stage are essential to sustaining India’s musical diversity. By partnering with festivals such as the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, we are creating spaces where artists can be discovered and audiences can engage meaningfully with the cultural roots of our music.”
Brinda Miller – Hon. Festival Director Kala Ghoda Arts Festival said, “Kala Ghoda Arts Festival has always been anchored in artistic integrity and the coming together of cultural diversity in the public sphere. The festival remains committed to creating open and accessible spaces where art, in all its forms, can be experienced thoughtfully by audiences from varied backgrounds. The IPRS Stage at KGAF furthers this vision by spotlighting original, regional, and tradition-rooted music within a shared cultural setting. It invites audiences to engage with music not merely as background entertainment but as a reflection of identity, history, and creative purpose. Our association with the IPRS stage reinforces the role of festivals like KGAF as spaces for discovery, dialogue, and meaningful engagement with India’s evolving cultural landscape. Through such collaborations, festivals move beyond mere presentation to actively support the preservation, visibility, and future relevance of the country’s diverse creative traditions.”
By curating performances that span regional originals and spiritually rooted folk traditions, the IPRS Stage at KGAF 2026 reinforces a central message: licensed music enables creators to sustain their art, innovate responsibly, and share India’s cultural wealth with the world. As one of India’s most iconic cultural festivals, Kala Ghoda becomes a vital platform to spotlight the role of copyright and licensing in safeguarding the livelihoods of music creators.
Through this showcase, IPRS continues its mission to build awareness among audiences, organisers, and cultural stakeholders that every performance and public platform carries a responsibility to respect music rights, ensuring creativity thrives within a fair and equitable ecosystem.
