Varanasi-based artist redefines Bhojpuri music with neofolk, trance, and hiphop blends.
Belsan Bhojpuriya, a 26-year-old artist from Purvanchal, is pushing boundaries in Bhojpuri music, blending genres and advocating for linguistic inclusion.
JAMSHEDPUR – Belsan Bhojpuriya, also known as Belsanwa, is an emerging Bhojpuri pop artist whose work is challenging traditional perceptions of the genre.
Originally from a village in Purvanchal, Belsanwa has released songs that mix neofolk, trance, and hiphop, bringing a fresh perspective to Bhojpuri music.
Belsanwa’s journey from working at a top bank to becoming a musician highlights his commitment to his roots.
He was inspired to sing in Bhojpuri after encountering discrimination against Hindi in metropolitan cities, where speaking regional languages often invites hostility.
This experience motivated him to promote Bhojpuri, which is often overlooked in both small and large cities.
Connecting with Roots Through Music
To write new songs, Belsanwa cycles through the Bhojpuri-speaking regions of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, using his travels to connect with local communities.
He finds that while he speaks Bhojpuri, many locals respond in Hindi, reflecting the ongoing challenges facing regional languages.
Belsanwa is a strong advocate for the inclusion of Bhojpuri in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, which would recognize it as an official language.
His ambition extends to mainstream media, where he hopes to see Bhojpuri music gain wider recognition.
Exploring New Musical Avenues
With over five songs to his credit, including popular tracks like “Dil K Darwaja,” “Bam Bhola,” and “Bhaiya Bhauji Nahi Hai Ghar,” Belsanwa is making significant strides.
His songs “Na Khelab Sasurari Phagua” and “Apan Party Gaan” have been playlisted on platforms like Wynk Music and JioSaavn.
These tracks have also been picked up by community radio stations in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, helping to broaden his audience.
Belsanwa is not stopping at traditional genres.
He is currently working on incorporating jazz into Bhojpuri music, a genre that has yet to be explored in the Bhojpuri music scene.
Through his music, Belsanwa aims to showcase the richness of Bhojpuri language and culture, bringing it to the forefront of India’s diverse musical landscape.
