Kailash Kher collaborating with folk singer Prahlad Tipanya

Popular Sufi singer Kailash Kher is collaborating with folk singer Prahlad Singh Tippanya for the fifth album by his band Kailasa.

Tipaniya, who performs Kabir bhajans in the Malwi folk style from Madhya Pradesh, will be contributing to at least four to five songs in the new album.

This is the first time Kher and his band has collaborated with anyone despite getting several offers, even from foreign artistes.

"Ever since my career began, a lot of opportunities have come my way. Canadian musician Michael Brook, who collaborated with Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, wanted to work with us after listening to our music in Los Angeles.

"But when it comes to collaborations, we wanted to explore the music from our own country, which has so much to offer," Kher told PTI.

Tipanya, who is a teacher-principal in a small school in Madhya Pradesh, was awarded the Padma Shri in 2011. Kher heard him perform at a concert organised in Tipanya's village last year.

"Tipanya's music reminded me of my childhood and my father. It's the rootedness that connected me to him. We are looking to create a unique collaboration by fusing his lyrics and style of singing with the contemporary music that Kailasa is famous for," he said.

Kher, whose Bollywood film songs as well as his albums are quite popular, said folk music is receiving the appreciation and attention it deserves.

"Folk music has been the USP of many film songs. These days music is available to people across various formats, be it internet or mobile, and that has benefited folk music as well. Times are changing," said Kher.

Kailasa's fifth album is expected to be out early next year. "That is if we are able to finish it by then since we are busy with tours and other commitments," said Kher.