Shakira’s ‘Hips Don’t Lie’ gets a Rajasthani twist. Meet the fusion band mixing folk music with modern sounds

Shakira’s Hips Don't Lie, released in February 2006 featuring Wyclef Jean, became a global phenomenon, topping charts in over 55 countries, including her first US Billboard Hot 100 number one. Celebrated for its infectious Latin-reggaeton beat, brass samples, and iconic choreography, the peppy track remains one of the best-selling singles of all time, forcing us to shake a leg wherever it plays. But what if the upbeat number got a traditional Indian spin? Well, a Rajasthan fusion band, popularly known as the Ismail Langa Group, has made it possible and has captured the attention of the internet.

Rajasthani folk meets Shakira’s pop anthem

On the occasion of Independence Day this year, the Ismail Langa Group released their traditional Rajasthani folk song, Moruda, and the track became a banger in no time, intriguing music lovers around the world.

Dressed in vibrant ethnic outfits, reflecting the rich heritage of Rajasthan, the band sang in unison, giving the 20-year-old pop anthem a refreshing and desi makeover. The song beautifully wove the opening part of Shakira’s Hips Don’t Lie with the band’s Moruda tune, blending Shakira’s energetic pop sound with traditional Rajasthani melodies and folk instruments.

Internet applauds the unique musical crossover

The group sang in unison, without missing a beat, their rhythmic flow and classical vocals blending together in perfect synchronicity. The fresh melody, accompanied by rich visuals and colourful hues, reverberated with cultural energy, associated with the Land of the Maharajas. This unusual crossover added to the charm, offering a never-heard-before freshness to the original song.

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The internet loved the composition and queued up in the comments section, reacting to the video. ‘You people are sooo amazing,’ gushed a user. ‘Absolute masterpiece’, agreed another. ‘THERE IS NO OTHER COUNTRY in the world to make music like India,’ commented a Brazilian native. Others unanimously admitted that the song has a ‘vibe’ of its own.

All about Ismail Langa Group

As per Ismail Langa Group’s official YouTube channel, the band brings together ‘the rich tradition of Rajasthani folk music with modern sounds — featuring classical vocals, instruments, along with a beatboxer and a rapper.’ Ismail Khan Langa, the leader of the group, is a trained classical singer, belonging to the ancient tradition of the age-old Langa family of Rajasthan, according to Spotify.

Ismail Khan Langa’s ancestors were professional musicians who were invited by the royal families to perform at weddings, child births or other festive occasions. The standout feature of the group is how the 10 members sing in harmony without missing even a single beat, a performance that creates the sound of oneness. The group travels all over the world, showcasing their vocal prowess. They were even invited to India’s Got Talent last year.