Bridging Cultures Through Music: Jindi's Story

by Hayley Alexander

Bridging Cultures Through Music: Jindi's Story

17 Apr 2024

Jindi, the Sudanese singer-songwriter stirring up excitement with his Afro-Sudanese fusion. The Sandy Times recently caught up with this dynamic artist, feeling his infectious energy as he shared tales of bridging cultural gaps through music. With anticipation building for his upcoming album and the promise of a captivating performance at BRED Festival, Jindi's journey is one to watch closely.

— For those who do not know who Jindi is, tell us a bit about your background and how you started out.

— Hey there, thanks for having me! So, I am Jindi, the word meaning Fire, fire, fire. It is what I go by when I am rocking the stage or chilling with my crew. Back in 2015, I was deep into the vibes of 70s funk, touring around the UAE and Saudi, jamming with the band and soaking in the scene. Funk, Reggae, that was our groove. And you know what? I have always been about exploring new sounds, never one to shy away from mixing things up. We were all about connecting with Africa, vibing with Kenya, Nigeria, and beyond.

Growing up, my father had accordion, so music was in my blood from day one. Sudanese beats filled the air at home, along with doses of Michael Jackson and various Reggae artists. That is where I reckon I picked up my sound, blending the old with the new.

— As an Afro-Sudanese artist, you bring a unique perspective to the global scene. How do you make music that stays true to your roots and identity?

— It is all about staying in tune with the movement, you know? There is so much happening across Africa, and I am just soaking it all in. The past three years we have been cultivating a new sound which is the AfroSudanese Sound that blends Afrobeat with Sudanese dialect and sounds, in a fusion that aims to bridge the Middle East & Africa, breaking the language barriers and finding commonality through cultural similarities. Sudanese music, man, it is like a treasure trove, especially the stuff from back in the 1950s. I remember bringing a sample into the studio one day, and bam, everyone was feeling it, jamming along with no understanding of the words but knowing that it was a vibe. It is all about keeping that authenticity alive.

Instagram: @jindiofficial

— What are your top two career highlights?

— Oh, where do I start? There have been so many epic moments along this journey that I am so grateful for. I'd say the first time I stepped onto the stage in front of my friends back in 2015, that was something special.

"The1995ExperienceTour" in 2019, and then there was Expo Dubai, sharing the spotlight with the band, paying tribute to my father who passed away in 2021. Ah, that is not two — but yeah, three moments I will hold on to tight.

— Music often serves as a soundtrack to our lives. Can you recall a song that brings back a particular memory for you?

— Oh, absolutely! Hassa, one of my own creations, I worked on this track with top Nigerian producer MasterKraft. It is like a cross-cultural anthem, the kind of tune that transcends borders. Good music, it speaks to the soul, no matter where you are from.

— We are excited to see you at BRED Festival this year. What is your secret to keeping the energy high and the crowd engaged throughout the entire show?

— It is all about keeping it real, staying connected with the crowd. Whether it is a slow burner or a high-energy jam, as long as you are true to the music, the energy just flows, you feel me?

— Some artists have pre-show rituals. What is yours?

— Let's just say, I like to gather my bandmates for a quick group huddle before we hit the stage. And as for me, well, a little peace and quiet go a long way in getting the vibes just right.

Instagram: @jindiofficial

— Tell us about your personal connection with BRED, why is it so important to be a part of this festival?

— BRED, man, it is like the beating heart of the music scene here. The talent, the energy, it is all off the charts. And for me, being part of it is a no-brainer. Abu Dhabi is where it is at, you know? From talented fashion designers to outstanding artists, there is just so much creativity buzzing around, not just the music scene. Plus, it is not just about me performing; it is about the whole vibe. On my show, expect guest artists' appearances, exclusive songs debut for the first time at the festival. It is a platform where artists can really showcase what they are all about, and I am honoured to be part of that energy.

— Music is such a universal language. Can you tell us about a song or artist outside of your genre that you are currently vibing to?

— Lately, I have been diving deep into sub-Saharan sounds, soaking in all that rhythm and soul. But hey, I am not one to stick to just one groove. I have also got other popular artists on rotation. Good music knows no boundaries, right?

Instagram: @jindiofficial

— Can you tell the readers about your latest releases?

— I recently dropped Faraway, a dancehall banger that has been getting love not just here in the UAE, but all the way over in Kenya too. You never know where that love is gonna come from, right? I threw in a dash of Sudanese flavour for good measure, and man, East Africa is loving it.

— What can we expect from you in 2024? Any exclusives that you are allowed to share?

— Oh, I have been cooking up something special. My album, it has been in the works for a while now, and let me tell you, it is shaping up to be something real special. We can't share a lot of info for now, but the album includes features from Sudan, UAE, Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa, with songs ranging from AfroSudanese and Dancehall. Can't give away too much just yet, but keep your eyes and ears peeled, 'cause it is dropping this summer, and it is gonna be fire.

by Hayley Alexander