Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) is set to unveil ‘Bombay Experience’, a boundary-pushing musical project that converges Carnatic rhythmic precision, Indian hip-hop’s narrative force, and the improvisational fluidity of contemporary jazz.
The performance will be held on December 3 at the Liberation War Museum auditorium, offering Dhaka audiences a rare encounter with a cross-continental ensemble built on deep artistic inquiry.
The project brings together an impressive roster of musicians whose individual practices shape its distinctive sound. French pianist and composer Alexandre Herer, noted for his work with complex rhythmic systems and cross-genre structures, leads the collaboration.
Joining him are French drummer Pierre Mangeard, recognised for his versatility and dynamic performance style, and bass player Gaël Petrina, whose textured grooves form the ensemble’s rhythmic backbone.
From India, the lineup includes mridangam and konnakol virtuoso B. C. Manjunath, celebrated for his command of both classical and contemporary idioms, and pioneering rapper Manmeet Kaur, whose socially reflective lyricism interrogates capitalism, convention and the contradictions of modern life while affirming sincerity and resilience.
According to AFD, the genesis of ‘Bombay Experience’ can be traced to Herer’s early encounters with Mumbai’s rap and beatbox communities during visits to Dharavi. A subsequent meeting with Manjunath in France revealed striking parallels between the mathematical architecture of Carnatic rhythm and Herer’s own compositional methods.
This creative dialogue developed further during a collaborative India tour in 2023, ultimately culminating in a residency and world premiere at the Détours de Babel festival in Grenoble in March 2024.
Rather than offering a simple fusion of styles, the project constructs a living conversation between Indian classical tradition, contemporary hip-hop, and jazz. The resulting soundscape balances rootedness with experimentation, inviting listeners into a space where rhythmic intricacy meets lyrical depth and improvisational freedom.
The concert will take place on December 3 at 7:00 pm at the Liberation War Museum auditorium in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. In connection with the event, Alliance Française de Dhaka will host a master class on December 4 at its Dhanmondi premises.
Led by Alexandre Herer, B. C. Manjunath, and Manmeet Kaur, the session will delve into Herer’s approaches to rhythm and composition, Manjunath’s foundations of Carnatic rhythm and konnakol, and Kaur’s creative practice in rap and lyrical expression. The workshop will conclude with an interactive discussion with the artists.
Admission to the master class is free upon registration. Interested participants may register by emailing [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]).
