When it comes to expression, Urdu ghazals and blues music are separated by a few centuries and continents. While one genre was born and nurtured in the Indian sub-continent, the other traces its origins to the dark period of slavery in the United States of America. Yet, composer-lyricist Sameer Rahat believes they have a similar purpose — to tell a story.

Rahat’s upcoming show, Urdu Blues Music And Poetry, at Prithvi Theatre, Juhu, this week promises to be an example of this unlikely union. The performance consists of blues compositions with Urdu lyrics, accompanied by some poetry recitations.  Hence  the name Urdu Blues, he explains.