Barmer Boys' Lead Vocalist Mangey Khan Dies At 49

The world of Rajasthani folk music is mourning the loss of one of its brightest stars. Mangey Khan, the lead vocalist of the acclaimed Barmer Boys, passed away at the age of 49 on September 11, 2024. Khan had been battling a heart condition and had recently undergone bypass surgery.

Mangey Khan hailed from the Manganiyar community in Rajasthan, a group known for its rich musical heritage that blends Sufi, Rajasthani folk, and Hindustani classical music. Khan was discovered by Ashutosh Sharma of Amarrass Records in 2010 during a visit to Ramsar village to record another folk singer. This meeting would eventually lead to the formation of Barmer Boys in 2011.

Barmer Boys, featuring Mangey Khan on vocals, Sawai Khan on the khartal, and Magada Khan on the dholak, fused traditional Manganiyar sounds with contemporary music and quickly gained international recognition. Mangey Khan’s voice was the heart and soul of their music, effortlessly hitting high notes while maintaining a sweet, melodic quality that drew comparisons to birdsong​.

Under Khan’s leadership, Barmer Boys performed in over 20 countries, appearing at prestigious international festivals such as the Roskilde Festival in Denmark, Clockenflap in Hong Kong, and the Winnipeg Folk Festival in Canada. Their music reached a mainstream audience in India through their performance on Season 3 of MTV India's Coke Studio. This platform helped Barmer Boys introduce Rajasthani folk music to younger generations, blending modern elements with traditional tunes in a way that captivated both new and seasoned listeners​.

Mangey Khan's career was marked by over 200 concerts across the world, including performances at renowned music festivals such as Music Meeting in the Netherlands and OFFest in Macedonia. His contributions helped spotlight Manganiyar music on the global stage, allowing international audiences to experience the beauty of Rajasthani folk. His signature songs, like Bole To Mitho Lage, Amrano, Ranaji, and Pir Jalani, remain iconic in folk music circles​.

In the wake of his passing, tributes have poured in from across the globe. Fateh Khan, former District President of Barmer Congress, was among the first to offer condolences, calling Khan's death a tremendous loss for the music community.

Ashutosh Sharma, deeply saddened by his passing, stated, "Mangey’s passing leaves a void that can't be filled. His tragic death is a huge loss for the music world. A voice that can never be replaced"​

The Manganiyar tradition, which dates back centuries, has lost one of its finest voices. Yet, Mangey Khan’s contributions to Rajasthani folk music will continue to inspire generations of musicians, ensuring that his legacy endures for years to come. His music not only brought joy to audiences worldwide but also played a crucial role in preserving and evolving the cultural richness of the Manganiyar community.