Mathangi Jagdish (IN)

Mathangi Jagdish or Ma.ja ( as she likes to call herself) is a South Indian born in Kolkata, and raised in New Delhi . She grew up in a Punjabi and Hindi speaking neighbourhood, on an eclectic diet of Bollywood film songs, Carnatic music, pop music (that was largely Michael Jackson, Madonna and Celine Dion to begin with). She later developed a deep interest in Hindustani music and jazz/blues. Her training is also equally diverse.

Ma.Ja has lent her voice for over 450 film songs in all four southern languages. She has worked with music directors like A R Rehman, Illaiyaraja, Harris Jeyraj, D Imman to name a few.

She was the lead vocalist in a fusion band headed by Jazz guitarist Amit Heri. Last year, Ma.Ja began writing her own material in English, Hindi and Tamil. Her songs, which are all inspired from her own life, showcase her crazy low notes and rich vocals in largely jazz/blues inspired genres, with a flavour of her deep indian classical roots.