Based in Mumbai, multi-instrumentalist Somesh Mathur is something of a legend in not just his home country, but across the world. The first Indian to be inducted as a mentor and a voting member of the Recording Academy, he has so far released 21 albums, 43 music videos, and received  the MTV Video Music Award in 2005–2006 for his album with Bollywood legend, Asha Bhosle, ‘Asha – A Brand New Album’, for the song ‘Aaj Jaane Ki Zid Na Karo’.
Now he has released his latest single, ‘Hallelujah’. Taken from his 2022 album, ‘Mother Maa’, the track is set to take his New Age Bharaat genre to a greater audience, in an inspiring and contemplative look at life, spirituality, music, and the earth itself.
‘Hallelujah’ is world music in a song. Featuring a whole planet full of instruments, from the classic Indian sitar to African drums, and banjos, Mathur gives thanks to the entire world in a special holiday edit of his song. The lyrics, which were originally a bit more cosmic and far out, have been edited to be more personal and familiar to a Western audience, while the music is calculated to sweep the listeners away in an aura of hypnotic bliss.
Additional vocals for ‘Hallelujah’ are provided by Harmaan Nazim, while Zakir Suthar plays banjo, and joins Somesh Mathur on Harmonium, and Keyboards. Zakir Suthar also co-arranged the track with Somesh.
The music video for ‘Hallelujah’ is a fine match for the song, with its diverse range of influences, opening with Somesh praying with crowds of other faithful, in front of Mumbai’s Mount Mary Basilica. We see him walk through the crowd, continuing in prayer, while scenes of other forms of worship are juxtaposed: whirling dervishes, paired with breakdancers; tribal dance circles, and concerts. The message is impossible to ignore – we are all one, and when we come together, no matter our backgrounds, we are a united force. Hallelujah!
Watch the music video for ‘Hallelujah’ below and find out more about Somesh Mathur and his music online on his official website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
