Srinagar, September 21: As many as 90 young artists have registered for the fourth season of Fankar-E-Kashmir, with 70 shortlisted for live auditions and the final 15 set to earn a place on the main stage at the season finale.
The two-day live auditions will see 35 performers take the stage each day, with organisers witnessing a notable rise in instrumentalists this year, alongside two promising rappers bringing contemporary sounds to the platform.
The auditions are part of Season 4 of Fankar-E-Kashmir, a cultural initiative by ShowCase Events, The Eagle and Kashmir Rabab Academy aimed at creating greater visibility and professional opportunities for young Kashmiri musicians.
The season will culminate in a grand finale at Tagore Hall, Srinagar, on September 28.
The initiative, now in its fourth year, has evolved from a folk-music platform into a wider ecosystem incorporating live performances, mentorship, knowledge sessions and recording opportunities.
“This year, we are seeing a particularly diverse pool of talent, with many instrumentalists and even rappers coming forward,” said Nazir Ganaie, Founder, Kashmir Rabab Academy. “It shows that Kashmir’s musical tradition is not static. Young artists are finding new ways to interpret and carry it forward.”
Angelina Fernandes, Founder, The Eagle, said FEK had grown significantly since its inception, with the platform seeking to connect artists with recognition and professional opportunities beyond Kashmir.
Nanni Singh, Chief Executive, ShowCase Events, said the initiative was aimed at creating sustained opportunities for young talent and building a wider cultural economy around local music.
The season has also brought together institutional and community partners, with the Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL) supporting the initiative, Sustainnovate Research & Advocacy Foundation (SIRAF) joining as NGO partner and RAAB Foundation coming on board as Title Sponsor.
From traditional folk voices and instrumentalists to emerging contemporary performers, the fourth season is positioning Fankar-E-Kashmir as a platform where Kashmir’s musical heritage meets a new generation of artists.
