Rajasthani Folk Icon Mangey Khan Of Barmer Boys Passes Away At Age 49

Mangey Khan , widely known as Manga and the lead vocalist of the famous Rajasthani folk band Barmer Boys , passed away at the age of 49. Celebrated for his powerful voice, Khan 's contributions to Rajasthani folk music were immeasurable. He had recently undergone heart surgery and was in the process of recovering when he tragically passed.

Khan is survived by his wife and three children, and his death marks a tremendous loss for Indian folk music. His significant impact on the genre touched many, particularly through his role as the lead vocalist for the Manganiyar trio, the Barmer Boys, who gained widespread recognition after performing on Coke Studio Season 3 on MTV India.

In a touching tribute, Amarrass Records issued a statement honoring Mangey Khan’s life and work in Rajasthani folk music. The statement read, "With profound grief and an aching heart, we are sharing the tragic news of the sudden demise of Manga (Mangey Khan), the lead vocalist and the voice of Amarrass Records’ band, Barmer Boys."


Further reflecting on his talent, the statement continued, "Manga, as he was lovingly called, was one of the finest vocalists from the Manganiyar community, at the peak of his career and with decades of concerts, sold-out shows and loud applause ahead of him. His voice danced effortlessly at the high register that Manganiyar music demands. It was powerful but also sweet, like a birdsong. We will miss hearing it live, we will miss his smile, we will miss Manga, our friend."

The tribute celebrated his contributions to the band, emphasizing the deep void left in the music world with his passing. The statement highlighted how Mangey Khan's vocal ability and presence in the Barmer Boys brought an unforgettable sound to the stage, leaving an indelible mark on his fans and the folk music community at large.

The statement concluded by noting Mangey Khan's remarkable career, "He performed over 200 concerts in 20 countries, including some of the most prestigious festivals in the world - Roskilde (Denmark), Clockenflap (Hong Kong), Winnipeg Folk Festival (Canada), Music Meeting (Netherlands), OFFest (Macedonia), Respect Festival (Prague), FMM Sines (Portugal), Festival de la Citè (Lassaune, Switzerland), Ziro Music Festival (India) to name a few." His extensive international performances underscored his widespread influence and dedication to promoting Rajasthani folk music globally.

Upon hearing the news, fans flooded social media with condolences and tributes. Comments like, "Heart breaking. Peace to the soul" and "Great loss to the music lovers, RIP Manga" reflected the sorrow shared by many. One fan poignantly wrote, "awful news .. sorry to hear this Ashu .. I remember when they came and recorded at Katharas for BBC .. such a great crew .. huge loss."

Mangey Khan's influence extended far beyond Rajasthan, as he played a vital role in bringing the rich traditions of Rajasthani folk music to global audiences. As a musician deeply rooted in the Manganiyar community, his work seamlessly blended Sufi , Rajasthani folk, and Hindustani classical elements, making his music timeless and universally appealing. His legacy will continue to inspire folk music lovers worldwide.