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Rap sensation Flipperachi of 'FA9LA' fame to make India debut; check details

After setting global streaming platforms on fire and redefining Middle Eastern hip-hop for a new generation, breakout rap phenomenon Flipperachi is all set to perform in Mumbai for the very first time on March 13 at Phoenix Marketcity.  The show, produced and promoted by Eva Live and Zee Live, marks a major milestone in Flipperachi’s rapidly expanding global ascent. Mumbai, long hailed as India’s entertainment capital, is now set to witness his explosive live energy for the very first time. The concert promises an immersive live experience, combining Flipperachi’s signature sound with high-octane visuals and crowd-driven moments that have become a hallmark of his shows worldwide. Flipperachi continues to bridge global hip-hop cultures, positioning himself as one of the most influential new artists on the international circuit today. He rose to worldwide prominence with his viral hit ‘FA9LA’ and later featured in the Bollywood film Dhurandhar has emerged as one of the most exciting new voices in contemporary rap. Known for his raw lyricism, genre-blending sound, and unapologetic storytelling, the Bahraini rapper has built a massive international fanbase that cuts across cultures, languages and borders. Flipperachi states, “India has shown me incredible love, and Mumbai is a city I’ve always wanted to perform in. The energy, the people, the culture it all feels very familiar. This show is going to be loud, emotional and unforgettable. Mumbai, get ready!” Deepak Choudhary, founder and managing director, EVA Live states, “Flipperachi is not just an artist but a movement. His rise has been completely organic, driven by authenticity and a deep connection with fans. Bringing his debut show to Mumbai was a no-brainer for us. This city understands global music, and we’re thrilled to present a show that reflects where hip-hop is headed next.” With a thoughtfully curated mix of properties across genres and formats including music, arts and spirituality, Zee Live is redefining the live entertainment experience for consumers across generations. Engaging the audiences with the best of global hip-hop music, Zee Live recently hosted the HomeRun tour of the renowned hip-hop sensation Hanumankind in Kochi and Bengaluru. Having witnessed a massive response for the concerts, Zee Live is all set to propel the hip-hop wave further by presenting yet another viral sensation Flipperachi for the first time in India. Aside from Mumbai, Flipperachi is only confirmed to perform in Bengaluru on March 14 at the UN40 Music Festival. This makes his Mumbai appearance highly anticipated, expected to draw fans from across the city and beyond, and positions it as one of the must-see hip-hop events of the season. The exclusive presale will commence on February 14 at 12 noon and conclude on February 16 at 12 noon.  This will be followed by another presale, starting on February 16 at 12:30 pm and ending on February 19 at 12 noon.  General ticket sales will go live shortly thereafter on February 19 from 12:30 pm onwards. Tickets are exclusively available on District by Zomato.

11 February,2026 03:00 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
John Mayer will perform in Mumbai this evening. Photo Courtesy: Official Instagram account of John Mayer

John Mayer: See you tonight, Mumbai!

American singer-songwriter John Mayer is all set to perform in Mumbai later this evening, and clearly the excitement is palpable, not only among fans but also for the singer himself.  In a post on social media, he has been busy posting about the countdown. Taking to Instagram with a video of sound check, he said, "See you tonight, Mumbai!" The story comes a day after he posted, "Soundcheck in Mumbai, India. See you tomorrow night."  The seven-time Grammy Award-winning musician is performing in India for the very first time, in Mumbai at Mahalaxmi Racecourse.  While he was earlier scheduled to perform on January 22, it was later re-scheduled to February 11, coinciding with the Valentine's Week, and leading up to Valentine's Day.  Mayer is known for many hits including 'Your Body Is Wonderland', 'Gravity', 'Dear Marie' and more that he will play at the concert titled 'John Mayer Solo', produced and promoted by BookMyShow Live.

11 February,2026 01:49 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Ali began his journey in 1996 with his album,

Lucky Ali completes 30 years in music; says, 'I don't think I deserve this'

Renowned singer Lucky Ali, who has completed three decades in the music industry, is humbled by all the love he has received in his career, which he considers a gift that, he says, he didn't necessarily deserve. Ali, known for hits such as "Gori Teri Aankhein Kahen", "Teri Yaad Jab Aati Hai", and Bollywood tracks "Na Tum Jaano Na Hum", "Ek Pal Ka Jeena" and "Jaane Kya Dhoondta Hai", is back with his signature soulful style with his latest single, "Tu Jaane Hai Kahan", which is produced under the Tips music banner. "I feel grateful to the Almighty that I've had this opportunity and the response that I've received continuously over all these decades. I don't think I deserve this. I feel it's a gift that was given and I respect it. And that's what I've done all this time. I've not abused my career in any way. It's the greatness of the people who give you that love. You don't go expecting, 'Oh, love me'," Ali told PTI in a virtual interview. The singer said he is aware that the love and success that he has garnered over the years is not permanent. "I feel that nothing is permanent (and) at some point, it will stop. I'm happy for that. I'm not holding on to that. I look forward to those changes whenever they come. I think they're happening now as we age and go further into trying to identify what is it that makes it tick for us. "After all the fame and all the success, there's still something in me that feels like I need to find or look for that, which maybe could be a piece that I seek away from all the noise." Ali began his journey in 1996 with his album, "Sunoh", featuring his iconic track "O Sanam" and established him as a leading figure in Indi-pop. When asked about his unconventional start with Indi-pop rather than mainstream film music, Ali candidly replied, "Yeah, because I'm not a singer-singer. I knew that I don't have a career in the film industry. I didn't want to sing for anyone." "I didn't have a career (in movies) because I'm not a singer. I just sing for myself. I don't sing as a director. I don't do 'gayaki'. Whatever work I did was more internal. At some point, I felt that I need to express this and that's how the albums came about," he added. For Ali, music serves as a vital means of communication, a way to connect with others. "It's a means of communication to the other person; it's a means to be heard by people who understand the same language. That's what music is to me, it's a communication, it's a language." Ali said his new song reflects his personal struggles and confusions. "I knew I had to speak about what I was feeling because that was the best way to express it... Whatever you hold up inside, you don't say it and then it happens in a song. It's kind of like a relief," he said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.

09 February,2026 04:35 PM IST | Mumbai | PTI
Coco Jones opened the 2026 Super Bowl with a showstopping tribute to Whitney Houston. Photo Courtesy: AFP

Coco Jones pays tribute to Whitney Houston in Super Bowl 2026 performance

Singer-songwriter and actor Coco Jones opened the 2026 Super Bowl with a showstopping tribute to Whitney Houston, performing a soulful rendition of 'Lift Every Voice and Sing' ahead of the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks taking the field at Levi's Stadium, according to E! News. The 28-year-old singer and actress, known for her role in Bel-Air, paid homage to Houston's iconic 1991 Super Bowl performance of the 'Star Spangled Banner' with her showstopping look. She stepped out in a white, cropped zip-up athletic jacket adorned with a red stripe alongside the chest and her right arm. She paired it with a high-low skirt featuring a billowing peplum addition. "I'm really excited for people to see those resemblances," Jones told Entertainment Tonight ahead of the game. "Karl and I, I had him help me to design this. He's the godfather of hip-hop and fashion. I'm excited for him to get to have his moment with this." Reflecting on the preparation for the major performance, Jones said, "I feel like with Lift Every Voice, there's so much hope and tenacity that I relate to, and everyone does in their own journeys. So really listening to the lyrics, really sitting and feeling what they mean to me and then naturally reacting to that," according to E! News. Jones added that she was humbled by the honor of performing at the Super Bowl, saying, "I've had some amazing performers precede me and I think realizing that I've been chosen and so I deserve the moment. I deserve the opportunity. And just kind of speaking positively, so you don't think about the pressure. You just think about the honor that it is," according to E! News. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.

09 February,2026 04:19 PM IST | California (USA) | ANI
Charlie Puth performs the National Anthem during Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium on February 8. Photo Courtesy: AFP

Super Bowl 2026: Charlie Puth delivers stirring US national anthem performance

Charlie Puth set the tone for Super Bowl LX with a polished and emotionally resonant rendition of the US National Anthem, opening the 2026 championship game at Levi's Stadium with a performance that blended musical restraint and technical finesse. Before either the New England Patriots or the Seattle Seahawks took the field in the title clash, the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter delivered 'The Star-Spangled Banner' in his signature style, accompanying himself on the piano. Backed by a full band, Puth's measured interpretation culminated as joint Navy and Air Force aircraft flew over the stadium, bringing the pre-game ceremony to a dramatic close, as per the Hollywood Reporter. Puth's appearance placed him among a high-profile lineup of Super Bowl LX pre-show performers. Brandi Carlile performed 'America the Beautiful,' Coco Jones sang 'Lift Every Voice and Sing,' and Green Day led the broader pre-game performance slate. The entertainment continued into the main event with global star Bad Bunny confirmed as the headliner for the Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show. As with most Super Bowls, the event doubled as a showcase of celebrity culture and advertising spectacle. Several stars appeared in commercials aired during the broadcast, including Sabrina Carpenter, Emma Stone in a campaign. Off the screen, a long list of celebrities were spotted inside Levi's Stadium, among them Jay-Z, Adam Sandler, Travis Kelce, Travis Scott, Keke Palmer, Jon Bon Jovi, Justin and Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner, 21 Savage, Tracy Morgan, Daniel Radcliffe, Rob Lowe, Russell Wilson, Ciara and J Balvin, as per the Hollywood Reporter. The anthem performance comes amid a transitional phase in Puth's career. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter in an earlier interview, the 'We Don't Talk Anymore' singer hinted at an evolution in his songwriting, ahead of releasing his new track 'Beat Yourself Up' in mid-January. He noted that his upcoming music reflects a life markedly different from when earlier hits such as 'One Call Away' and 'See You Again' were released. As for the NFL, the Seattle Seahawks won Super Bowl LX (60) on February 8, 2026, defeating the New England Patriots with a final score of 29-13. Played at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, the game served as a rematch of Super Bowl XLIX and earned the Seahawks their second championship in franchise history. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.

09 February,2026 12:12 PM IST | California (USA) | ANI
Bad Bunny wore an all-white ensemble, with a football jersey featuring the number

Bad Bunny celebrates Puerto Rico during Super Bowl performance

Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny on Sunday turned the Super Bowl into a giant street party, emphasizing unity over division in his groundbreaking Spanish-language set -- but still earning President Donald Trump's scorn. Anticipation was high for the 31-year-old's set, amid rampant speculation about whether he would use his platform to renew his criticism of the Trump administration's immigration crackdown in front of tens of millions of viewers. But the wildly popular musician, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, instead made good on his pre-game promise to joyously share his culture -- and largely avoided overt political statements in favor of subtle messaging through symbols. In a set featuring a sugar cane plantation, a traditional "piragua" cart selling treats, and even a wedding, he opened with "Titi Me Pregunto" and feminist anthem "Yo Perreo Sola," with a cast of dancers fueling the party atmosphere. Actors Pedro Pascal and Jessica Alba, and rapper Cardi B were among the guest stars vibing in his familiar "La Casita" backdrop, representing a home in Puerto Rico. Bad Bunny wore an all-white ensemble, with a football jersey featuring the number "64" and "Ocasio," before donning a classy suit jacket. He delved into more political territory with "El Apagon" (Blackout), which touches on the displacement of Puerto Ricans on their own island, and the constant problems caused by the unreliable power grid. He carried a Puerto Rican flag at one point. The performance also included a young boy watching the Grammys on an old television set. Bad Bunny, who won the Album of the Year prize a week ago, presented the child -- perhaps a younger version of himself -- with a golden gramophone. The internet went wild with unverified rumors that the child was Liam Conejo Ramos, a five-year-old Ecuadoran boy recently detained by US immigration agents in Minnesota. An NFL spokesman confirmed to AFP that the boy was an actor, and an Instagram post seemingly from the child in question, Lincoln Fox, was hashtagged #youngbadbunny. Surprise musical guests included Lady Gaga, who sang a Latin-inflected version of her hit "Die with a Smile" -- the only English lyrics in the show -- and Puerto Rican singer Ricky Martin. Affront At the Grammys, Bad Bunny made a searing statement about Trump's sweeping immigration crackdown, earning cheers for saying "ICE out" from the stage. But on Sunday, he did not call out the Republican president. At the end of the set, after listing Latin American countries, Puerto Rico, the United States and Canada, Bad Bunny spiked a football that said "Together, we are America." A giant screen in the stadium read: "The only thing more powerful than hate is love." Trump nevertheless quickly took issue with the performance, saying: "Nobody understands a word this guy is saying" -- even though government data shows more than 41 million Americans speak Spanish. Posting on his Truth Social account, he called the show "an affront to the Greatness of America." Early backlash Bad Bunny has been Spotify's most-streamed artist in the world four separate times, including last year, and won Album of the Year at the Grammys with "Debi Tirar Mas Fotos" -- the first Spanish-language work to win music's highest accolade. But the decision to showcase his work at the Super Bowl in California was met with conservative outrage -- specifically about the idea that he would not sing in English. The NFL entered into an agreement in 2019 with Jay-Z's entertainment company Roc Nation, which leads the league's entertainment strategy. Since that time, the list of Super Bowl headliners included Jennifer Lopez and Shakira (with a guest spot for Bad Bunny), but the duo did not perform exclusively in Spanish, leaving Bad Bunny to set that benchmark. From Vega Baja to Super Bowl Bad Bunny grew up in Vega Baja, a small municipality near Puerto Rico's capital San Juan. He was working at a supermarket bagging groceries when he got a call from a label over his viral plays on the DIY platform SoundCloud. Thus began the reggaeton star's rapid explosion to the top of global music. Late last year, Bad Bunny released "Debi Tirar Mas Fotos," a history lesson in Puerto Rican music that he promoted with a hometown concert residency in San Juan and a world tour. In Puerto Rico, a US territory since 1898, there was nothing but pride for the island's native son. "For someone from here to be at one of the most important events in the United States is a source of pride for every Puerto Rican," Olvin Reyes, 39, told AFP. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.

09 February,2026 12:01 PM IST | California (USA) | AFP
Indian singer-songwriter Anuv Jain performed his heart out in Hyderabad on February 6. Photo Courtesy: Special Arrangement

Anuv Jain mesmerises Hyderabad on India leg of Dastakhat World Tour

Indian singer-songwriter Anuv Jain performed his heart out in Hyderabad while travelling to the city on the India leg of his Dastakhat World Tour. The show assembled thousands of avid music lovers and  longtime fans for an intimate yet stirring live experience, setting the tone for Jain’s most ambitious musical tour till now. From the moment he stepped on stage, the atmosphere transformed into one of quiet reflection and heartfelt connection. Staying true to his signature minimalism and evocative storytelling, Anuv Jain delivered a thoughtfully curated setlist featuring fan favourites including ‘Baarishein’, ‘Alag Aasmaan’, ‘Husn’, ‘Jo Tum Mere Ho’, ‘Afsos’ and ‘Arz Kiya Hai’. Each performance was met with emotional sing-alongs, a testament to the robust bond he enjoys with his listeners  across India. The Hyderabad showcase stood out for its stripped-back elegance and immersive production allowing the music and lyrics to take centre stage at the show, produced and promoted by Team Innovation and TribeVibe Entertainment. As lights dimmed and melodies swelled, the venue echoed with stories of love, heartbreak and healing, turning the night into a deeply personal experience for fans across generations. Anuv Jain states, ““Hyderabad, what a crowd! What a show! I swear I wasn't lying when I said I couldn't hear myself! Thousands of you screaming every word. One of my favourite shows ever!” Shoven Shah, founder & CEO, TribeVibe Entertainment states, “Anuv Jain’s artistry is a defining force in contemporary Indian music, expanding what independent voices can achieve. With Dastakhat, we’re curating an experience that brings together connection, sincerity and scale allowing large audiences to feel part of an intimate conversation. Our focus is on creating moments where creativity and community intersect and supporting this milestone reflects our belief in the future of Indian music.” Mohit Bijlani, founder, Team Innovation states, “Anuv Jain is selling out arenas all across India and  solidifying  his status as one of India’s most loved  Indian independent music talents.  Hyderabad just proved how there’s a huge market for the genre even in the Southern markets with a record breaking turnout..” The Dastakhat World Tour stands as a celebration of music, emotion and cultural exchange — a testament to Jain’s ability to weave sincerity into every note. Fans can look forward to a series of unforgettable performances coupled with top notch production, as he continues to push creative boundaries and foster deeper connections with audiences across continents. Following a successful run in Delhi, Ahmedabad, Pune, Chandigarh, Kolkata and Hyderabad the multi-city tour will continue to captivate audiences across Indore, Mumbai and Bengaluru before expanding internationally through 2026 and 2027 taking Anuv Jain’s deeply personal music to fans across continents.

08 February,2026 02:19 PM IST | Hyderabad | mid-day online correspondent
The musician had revealed in May 2025 that he was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer. Photo Courtesy: Official Instagram account of 3 Doors Down

'3 Doors Down' lead singer Brad Arnold passes away at 47

Brad Arnold, lead singer, founding member, and original drummer of rock band 3 Doors Down, has died at the age of 47. Arnold passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, surrounded by his wife, Jennifer, and family, following a battle with cancer, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The musician had revealed in May 2025 that he was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer. At the time, he said in an Instagram video, "I have no fear. I really, sincerely am not scared of it at all, but it is going to force us to cancel our tour this summer and we're sorry for that." A statement posted on 3 Doors Down's official social media platforms praised Arnold's impact on rock music. "Brad helped redefine mainstream rock music, blending post-grunge accessibility with emotionally direct songwriting and lyrical themes that resonated with everyday listeners," reads the post. "Brad's songwriting became a cultural touchstone for a generation, producing some of the most enduring hits of the 2000s, including the band's breakout hit, 'Kryptonite,' which he wrote in his math class when he was just 15 years old. His music reverberated far beyond the stage, creating moments of connection, joy, faith, and shared experiences that will live on long after the stages he performed on," according to The Hollywood Reporter.           View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by 3 Doors Down (@3doorsdown) Born on September 27, 1978, in Escatawpa, Mississippi, Arnold co-founded 3 Doors Down in 1996 with his bandmates Todd Harrell and Matt Roberts while in high school. Their debut album, The Better Life (2000), became the 11th-best-selling album of the year, producing hits like "Kryptonite", "Loser", and "Be Like That", all of which reached the Billboard Hot 100. Over the years, the band released six studio albums, most recently Us and the Night in 2016. The statement described Arnold as a "devoted" husband and requested that the family's privacy be respected during this difficult time. Arnold is survived by his wife, Jennifer, according to The Hollywood Reporter. 

08 February,2026 01:50 PM IST | Washington DC | ANI
Image for representational purpose only. Photo Courtesy: File pic

Bastar Pandum festival showcases Bastar's rich tribal heritage in Chattisgarh

The Bastar Pandum Festival, organised by the Chhattisgarh Government, has drawn a large crowd to witness Bastar's traditional handicrafts, tribal arts, folk costumes and local products. The festival, which was inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu, showcased Bastar's rich tribal heritage with its extraordinary handicraft products, foods and traditional tribal dances and folk song performances. Speaking with ANI, Somaru Ram Kawasi, a member of the judging panel who checked various food items presented at the festival, said, "There's a dish here, a kind of fermented drink that we call 'kal' here, and in Dhurua, they call it 'mel'. All the traditional dishes that are made in the village and are authentic are being given a number here." He underlined the festival's significance in promoting Bastar's old tradition. "It feels great because it's our old tradition. The dish made with just salt, chilli, and tamarind, without any oil, tastes delicious. It's made with rice and flour," he said. Participant Nisha Nag shared the delicacy of Bastar's beverages and food: "We have more than 40 types of beverages here... We have brought 10 types of traditional porridges... I am very grateful to Bastar Pandum. These items were consumed previously. We are now able to eat them and showcase them here. They are still alive and well, but some have become extinct. Through Bastar Pandum, with the help of the district administration and the state government, we have the opportunity to showcase them again." Folk artist Shanu Markandey thanked the Tribal Development Department for promoting Bastar's culture. "I want to thank the Assistant Commissioner of the Tribal Development Department for inviting us to such a grand platform. The 5-minute performance we gave was a blend of our Bastar culture. It included prayers to our revered Mother Goddess Danteshwari, devotional and folk songs, and concluded with the Chherchera festival, a prominent festival in Bastar," he said. "The government should, first and foremost, ensure that such events continue to be organised and should create a department dedicated to preserving and promoting this kind of culture, especially those aspects that are becoming extinct. It is also important that the numerous researchers in Jagdalpur and Bastar districts, many of whom are of international calibre, be involved in such initiatives and that campaigns be organised from time to time to inspire and encourage them to further develop and showcase this culture," he added. Folk artist Sangeeta Markam, who performed before the President, shared her experience. She also emphasised the need to protect and promote our traditions. "We are feeling very good and proud. Performing in front of the President was a great achievement for us and the first major accomplishment of our lives... We feel that if we let the traditions passed down by our ancestors disappear, how will future generations know what things were like before? To preserve this, we are making every effort to continue practising and showcasing our old customs and traditional attire." President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the festival on Saturday. The festival will continue till February 9. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.

08 February,2026 01:31 PM IST | Bastar (Chhattisgarh) | ANI
Image for representational purpose only. Photo Courtesy: File pic

Andaman celebrates traditional folk music with 'Phaag' festival

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration has organised a festival to celebrate the traditional Phaag music. Artists from the archipelago enthralled the audience with folk music that narrates tales from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Krishna Leela. "Andaman and Nicobar Islands is like mini India where you can find diverse cultures and traditions. The administration aims to protect and promote all such traditions and provide a platform to grow," Director Tourism, Vinayak Chamadia, said at the event held on Saturday evening. "It is also aimed towards recognising the original Phaag traditions and songs of the islands that date back to pre-independence times," he said. A large number of local people and tourists experienced the vibrant folk musical tradition. "Our aim is to revive and preserve a rare folk tradition that is now gradually fading, while offering both residents and tourists an authentic glimpse into the islands' living cultural legacy," said Rohit Mohan Lal, general secretary of co-organiser Kalapani Phaag Mandali. Phaag is a traditional form of folk songs brought to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands prior to the year 1900 and is closely associated with the festive period from Vasant Panchami to Holi, he said. "The festival reflects the rich social and cultural fabric of the islands and has been an integral part of community celebrations in the past," Lal said. He also thanked 80-year-old Ratan Bihari Lal, a veteran Phaag singer, who has been training youngsters on this form of traditional music for many years. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.

08 February,2026 01:03 PM IST | Sri Vijaya Puram | PTI
Kulpreet Singh. File Pic

Kulpreet Singh’s ‘Extinction Archive’ at India Art Fair

Coloured drawings of over 900 threatened animal, fungal, and plant species painted on pesticide-dipped rice paper is artist Kulpreet Singh's attempt at posing the question: "With the speed we are moving, where will we reach?" The square panels, with ash from stubble burning sandwiched between rice paper and laser dots reflecting the uncountable deaths across species, including human, form Singh's latest project, "Extinction Archive", at the ongoing 17th India Art Fair here. "When we think about it, it's just a word: extinction. But these are memories that are not present any more. We are not just archiving species that have gone extinct but it's an archive of how we are continuing to ruin things for everyone," Singh told PTI. The work, commissioned and presented by the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, serves as a memorial to ecological and social violence, offering a contemplative visual archive of the declining environment. Singh's project is formed by a semi-circular wall of nearly a thousand square panels. As one stands inside it, the extinction of the projected species seems imminent, the shots of pollution-causing events, including farm fires, garbage in the Yamuna river, and the garbage mountains of Delhi, paint the picture of a dark future. "I am archiving how the environment has been transformed. You see there is no clean air in the whole of Delhi, in India and even in the whole world. How carbon pollution is increasing in the whole world, people are suffering from diseases. By showing these elements of the environment that are extinct now I hope that maybe someone will see this and feel that one day we will also become extinct," the Patiala-based artist said. The 40-year-old asserts that the elements of nature, the land, rivers, and wildlife, are slowly slipping out of the collective consciousness."There are so many things that exist only in imagination now. Some animal or bird that we saw as a child can only be found in imagination now. When we talk about a clean environment, we enter some imagined scenarios," he said. Several extinct and endangered species, drawn from the Red List of Threatened Species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, find themselves on Singh's panels, including the Mauritian giant skink, the land snail carelia mirabilis, the white blotched shrub frog, the angled flat top snail, and the harvestman species Hirstienus nanus. The plight of farmers and issues relating to agriculture remain a conscious part of Singh's practice. An earlier work by the visual artist, titled "Indelible Black Marks", at the ongoing Kochi-Muziris Biennale questioned the politics around stubble burning when many pollutant-inducing human activities like industries, traffic and wars remained undeterred. "This work is connected with farmers. I am using stubble ash, rice paper, shots of farm fires, and the use of pesticides. I want to bring in the farmers who have killed themselves, I want to make them a part of this work. The way we have ruined the environment, it's the farmer who is facing the brunt of it," Singh said. "This is about the farmer. In some way or the other, what's inside me is going to come out." Each panel is marked by "an uncountable number" of holes made by laser, large and small, representing in their collectiveness all the deaths across species due to different manmade crises. "You hear about millions of people dying every year because of climate change, pollution, food poisoning and so on, these dots are those deaths. You cannot count them," he said. The reality of life is to convert into ash and return to the earth. "It is about that. The ash residue is what we are leaving behind for the generations to come," Singh added. The work is ongoing as the artist plans on adding more species that are on the verge of extinction. "Everyday I am finding more about species that have gone extinct or are endangered, I am going to keep adding them to this project," he said. India Art Fair, running at the NSIC Exhibition Grounds in Okhla, will come to a close on February 8. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.

07 February,2026 02:31 PM IST | New Delhi [India] | PTI
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