Kashmir Rabab Academy

lPRS reaches out to Kashmir’s artists, to hold knowledge workshop on royalties and copyright

Srinagar: The Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS) is set to hold a knowledge workshop for artists and creators in Srinagar, focusing on copyright, music publishing, royalties and the growing opportunities offered by digital platforms.

The workshop, being held as part of Fankar-E-Kashmir Season 4, will seek to familiarise Kashmiri artists with the professional and digital ecosystem surrounding creative works and help them understand how their intellectual property can be protected and monetised.
Rumpa Banerjee, Head of Communications at IPRS, said the organisation was undertaking a series of initiatives across the country to connect with artists, bring them onto its platform and help creators register their works and earn royalties.
“Jammu and Kashmir is a virgin place for us, where artists can come and be part of the IPRS ecosystem,” Banerjee said, underlining the organisation’s interest in reaching out to the region’s diverse artistic community.
She said IPRS was also organising festivals and outreach programmes in different parts of the country to create greater awareness among artists about their rights, registration and opportunities available through the music and creative industries.
Dolly Chopra, expert from IPRS, will lead the Knowledge Workshop at Fankar-E-Kashmir 2026, offering practical insights and training to artists and creators on navigating the professional and digital landscape of the creative industry.
The session will cover areas including music publishing, copyright, royalty generation and the effective use of digital platforms to expand the reach and value of creative works.
Journalist and artist Nazir Ganaie, who is also a member of the IPRS ARA Committee, said Jammu and Kashmir had a rich pool of artists who had made significant contributions in their respective fields.
He said IPRS could act as a bridge between artists from the region and wider national and global opportunities.
“The ongoing workshop is aimed at familiarising artists with the nuances of copyright, royalty generation and publishing music across various digital platforms,” Ganaie said.
He urged more artists from Jammu and Kashmir to come forward and register with IPRS, saying greater awareness of intellectual-property rights could help creators protect their original works while accessing royalty opportunities.
“Jammu and Kashmir has immense artistic talent. IPRS can play an important role in connecting our artists with wider opportunities while helping protect the originality and ownership of their work,” he said.
The IPRS workshop will form part of the wider Fankar-E-Kashmir Season 4, an initiative aimed at creating greater visibility for Kashmiri music and providing emerging artists with platforms for learning, performance and professional growth.
The live auditions for Season 4 are scheduled for September 25 and 26 at Abdul Ahad Azad Memorial Degree College, Bemina, from 12 pm to 3 pm on both days. Aspiring singers and musicians will get an opportunity to showcase their talent before the selection process.
The programme is being curated and executed by the Kashmir Rabab Academy, ShowCase Events and The Eagle, with Sustainnovate Research and Advocacy Foundation as the NGO partner.
The initiative seeks to combine performance with professional learning, giving Kashmiri artists a platform not only to showcase their talent but also to understand the systems that can help their creative work travel beyond the region.

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Mega Talent Hunt Show Fankar-e-Kashmir on 26 Oct at SKICC

ShowCase Events, The Eagle, Rabab Academy to host first of its kind Music Contest in Srinagar

Srinagar, Kashmir Oct 14– In an exciting development for the region’s cultural landscape, the inaugural edition of Fankar-e-Kashmir is scheduled to take place on October 26, 2024, at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Center (SKICC) in Srinagar.

According to organizers, this event aims to celebrate and invest in the preservation of Kashmiri art and culture.

Fankar-E-Kashmir is proudly sponsored and supported by Bingo Tedhe Medhe, Voltas Beko, and the Jammu Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages.

The event aims to raise awareness about sustainable practices in the arts, enabling creators to grow both their individual careers and the broader creative economy of the state. With plans for Fankar-E-Kashmir to become an annual event, the organizers are committed to expanding opportunities and exposure for the talented youth of Kashmir, fostering a vibrant artistic community in the region.

According to organisers, the vibrant cultural landscape of Kashmir will be on full display at the upcoming Kashmir Youth Music Festival. The event aims to empower local artists while celebrating the region's rich intangible cultural heritage. The festival will kick off with a series of workshops led by prestigious IPRS and Dolby, commencing at 10 AM. These sessions are designed to help artists understand how to protect and monetise their creative work, as well as enhance their recordings through advanced sound technology.

A highlight of the day will be a live talent hunt music contest, running from 4 PM to 7 PM, featuring a jury of esteemed artists and music experts. Participants will have the chance to showcase their skills, with winners receiving not only awards but also valuable opportunities to further their careers.
Interspersed throughout the day will be live performances by celebrated local artists, including Begum Jaan (Gojri Music), Masrat Naz (Pahari Music), and Dr Shazia Hamid (Kashmiri Music).

The grand finale will feature a performance by a renowned artist, promising to cap off the day in style and inspire the next generation of musicians.

This event reflects a commitment to promoting the youth of Kashmir and ensuring the preservation of its unique musical heritage.

Bingo!, the renowned snacks brand, has stepped in as the title sponsor for Fankar-E-Kashmir, an event dedicated to celebrating and promoting the rich musical traditions of the region. This partnership underscores Bingo!'s commitment to supporting Kashmiri culture and empowering the youth.

In a statement, Mr. Suresh Chand, Vice-President and Head of Marketing for Snacks, Noodles, and Pasta at ITC Ltd., expressed pride in the company's involvement. “ITC has a long and rich tradition of supporting our nation's musical heritage through initiatives like the ITC Sangeet Research Academy. We are excited to develop engaging regional musical content for our brands, including Bingo! Tedhe Medhe and Bingo! Mad Angles. This event not only honors Kashmir's musical legacy but also provides a platform for the region’s young talent to shine.”
The event will feature a distinguished jury composed of Kashmiri music legends, including Ustad Abdul Rashid Hafiz, Ustad Gulzar Ganaie, popular Rabab player and singer, Noor Muhammad, famous Gul Gulshan Gulfam fame composer, Kishen Langoo, adding to the prestige of the occasion.

Fankar-e-Kashmir is being curated and organized by ShowCase Events, The Eagle, and Kashmir Rabab Academy, all of which are committed to preserving and promoting India's folk music traditions.

Nanni Singh, Chief Executive of ShowCase Events, shared her passion for folk music, stating, “Folk music is very close to my heart, and I want to do whatever I can to help keep it alive.”
Senior journalist and artist, Nazir Ganaie, who is also founder of Kashmir Rabab Academy, said, “As a Kashmiri and a musician, I feel a deep connection to our art. I am dedicated to conserving it for future generations.”

Angelina Fernandes, Founder of The Eagle, highlighted her experience working with award-winning artists and her enthusiasm for Kashmiri talent, saying, “My curiosity for Kashmiri talent has driven my passionate involvement with Fankar-E-Kashmir.”
Fankar-E-Kashmir 2024 will take place on October 26th at SKICC in Srinagar, promising an unforgettable celebration of Kashmiri music and culture.

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