Aug 7: Global conscious artiste Premanjali is presenting bhakti through a more contemporary and accessible lens. Through her music, still rooted in ancient practices, she’s inviting contemporary audiences to be absorbed in devotion. In her latest single, I’m Not Afraid, she’s asking the listeners to let go of all fears and trust in divinity.
Produced by BALARAM & Keshav Tyohar, the song is Premanjali’s ode to how prayer and faith can instill unbreakable self belief. The song perfectly bridges Shrila Govind Das Kaviraj’s words of wisdom with pop and traditional percussion elements.
The accompanying music video takes us through the vibrant lanes of Vrindavan where it was shot. The viewers see the journey of a girl reeling with doubt and fear, then coming into her own once she puts her faith in God. In parallel, we see Premanjali with her two sakhis narrating that journey with abandon, dance, and playfulness. The visual aesthetics, paired with Premanjali’s soulful vocals, depict the cross-cultural nuance she brings to her craft.
Talking about her latest single, Premanjali said,
“I’m Not Afraid was actually the first song I wrote, almost two years ago when I first started to think seriously about releasing my own music. The Sanskrit phrase that I’m singing in the song translates to ‘that if we can surrender our mind to god, then we can become fearless in our lives.’ And that’s really the theme I tried to carry in the song.”
She added,
“I’ve always been so scared of life when I don’t have a set plan, trying to control things out of my reach and ultimately just living in anxiety. So, I guess the song was also a reminder to myself to be more fearless and surrender to things outside of my control.”
Premanjali is beautifully carving a space for herself by encouraging a spiritual practice that is contemporary, inclusive, and joyful.I’m Not Afraid (Bhaja hu re mana) is a step in that direction to view and experience ancient wisdom through a vibrant lens of pop music.