Rooted is an oft-misused word in the business of writing. From films to personalities, themes and subjects, the adjective is latched on to describe anything remotely connected to artworks that uphold simple, native vibes. One could never ascribe it to The Tapi Project. While every sound produced by the band emerges from a long tradition of folk music, philosophy and poetry, the Surat-based collective is constantly reinventing themselves through their sound and journeys. As founder and songwriter Yogendra Saniyawala points out during our conversation, “Music is a constantly moving medium, not a stagnant one.”

True to their word, the quartet of Saniyawala, vocalist Swati Minaxi, percussionist Gaurav Kapadia and keyboardist Biju Nambiar are in preparation for their upcoming performance at Scotland’s winter folk music festival, Celtic Connections. “Essentially, winter is not a time for big music festivals in the West. Although we have been touring Europe for the last six or seven years, it has mostly been in the summer,” shares Saniyawala. On January 25, they will team up with Aziza Brahim, poet and singer, whose songs speak of the stories of the Saharawi people from the western part of the Sahara Desert.