Rootless covers “Dam Mast Qalandar”

Rootless are a collective that revolves around connection, history and the idea that music can reveal the ties that exist between cultures. Based in Scotland, the group brings together Indian and Roma musicians to create a sound that celebrates shared heritage while looking firmly towards the future. Drawing from the energy of Bhangra and Manele, Rootless combine powerful rhythms, traditional influences and modern production into a style that looks both backwards and forwards to deliver something entirely new.

The project is driven by a desire to explore the centuries-old connection between Romani and Indian cultures; the Roma people trace their origins back to India, with that migration story continuing to echo through language, traditions and music. Rootless transforms that history into a creative conversation, using sound as a way to bring those threads together through musical expression.

The collective’s lineup reflects that sense of cultural harmony, featuring Romani musicians such as David on vocals, Matus on guitar, Martin on bass and Elisei on saxophone, alongside violinist Janos Lang. Representing the Indian side of the endeavour are tabla player Sodhi, known as a maestro and host of the Talking Tabla podcast, dhol player Prince and vocalist Karan. As Rootless, their work focuses on the emotional and historical connections between traditions, recognising the movement of people and ideas across generations.

The origins of Rootless began with producer Janos and Sodhi, who were inspired by the relationship between Romani and Indian cultures. Their collaboration grew from a shared interest in exploring those links through music, eventually developing into a project that could honour the past while creating something meaningful for the present. Released in August last year, their debut single, “RakiTakitanana,” was written by Matus and David, with lyrics translated by Pakistani-British producer Sarmad Ghafoor, offering a track that combined Indian textures with the driving force of Romani instrumentation.

Following that introduction, Rootless continue their journey with “Dam Mast Qalandar,” a reinterpretation of the legendary Sufi classic popularised around the world through the iconic rendition by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. The track brings together Indian and Roma musicians once again, presenting the song through a new folk, Roma and world music perspective. “Dam Mast Qalandar” represents another step in their exploration of shared histories and musical relationships. The song’s themes of spirituality, determination and belonging align closely with the ideas that have shaped the collective since its beginning.

Through this new version, they introduce one of South Asia’s most recognisable devotional songs to new audiences while preserving the emotional context at its centre. The attraction to the song comes from its connection to themes that define Rootless’ wider work, with movement, identity and the search for something beyond physical borders rippling throughout its sound. Its devotional energy reflects the collective’s belief that music can carry memories, histories and emotions across generations. Set up by bright brass pips, the track jumps into a lively groove where pattering percussion and flickering melodies swirl into an energising, dance-focused soundscape.

With bright vocal leads ringing out and pulsing bass textures flowing below, rolling drums and colourful instrumentation all combine to deliver an engrossing jam that entirely reframes “Dam Mast Qalandar” in Rootless’ own thrilling fashion. Brimming with mesmeric melodic flourishes, hypnotic rhythmic energy and expressive vocal performance, their cover serves up an epic musical moment that’s truly impossible not to love.

It’s a stunning display of their musicianship flair and knack for reimagining timeless music in a forward-thinking way. With each release, Rootless continue to build a musical world that feels both ancient and thoroughly engaging, distilling the notion that while cultures may travel and change over time, the connections carried through music can remain powerful, alive and constantly shifting.

Produced by AG Productions, the music video for “Dam Mast Qalandar” brings the song alive on screen in a cinematic display of dance and musical performance. Featuring scenes of dancing fabric mimicking waves and flames, it’s a spectacular visual extravaganza that offers an exciting accompaniment which perfectly pairs with the music. On Sunday the 5th of July, Rootless will be performing at the Glasgow Mela, bringing their music alive where they’re sure to win over new fans from the stage.

Listen to Dam Mast Qalandar below

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