Chicago intercultural music group Funkadesi turns 25

“It feels like a cleansing every time we play and I think the audience feels it as well,” said Funkadesi founder Rahul Sharma.

Chicago intercultural music group Funkadesi turns 25
Chicago-based group Funkadesi fuses Bollywood, reggae, funk and Afro-Caribbean music. Philamonjaro Studio / Courtesy of Funkadesi
Chicago intercultural music group Funkadesi turns 25
Chicago-based group Funkadesi fuses Bollywood, reggae, funk and Afro-Caribbean music. Philamonjaro Studio / Courtesy of Funkadesi

Chicago intercultural music group Funkadesi turns 25

“It feels like a cleansing every time we play and I think the audience feels it as well,” said Funkadesi founder Rahul Sharma.

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The award-winning independent band will hold its 25th Anniversary Extravaganza on Friday at the Epiphany Center for the Arts.

Reset talks with Funkadesi’s founder about the music group’s history and unique approach to making Chicago a more inclusive city.

GUEST: Rahul Sharma, Funkadesi’s founder, bassist and sitarist