Farida Vakil

Farida Vakil founded one of the first all female bands in India.[1][2] Her girl group, The Ladybirds, only lasted a couple of years.[1] The Ladybirds was considered a "landmark" in Indian music history.[3] She then joined a group called The Riot Squad.[1] Vakil won the Simla Beat Contest shortly after joining The Riot Squad.[1]

Early life

Vakil as a child enjoyed cooking, sewing and music.[4] She wondered why she never saw female lead guitarist at beat shows. [1]She made it her mission to be one of India’s first female lead guitar players.[1]

Career

She grew up with no girl bands to look up to. [1] The music scene around that time period was dominated by mainly male groups.[1] Vakil started one of the first all female bands in India.[1] Her group was called The Ladybirds.[1][2] The Ladybirds soon broke up.[1] Vakil then joined a group called the Riot Squad.[4][2] The Riot Squad was a big success amongst many audiences.[1][2] Vikal was known as the "lead lady guitarist."[2] She was very popular.[2] When she was only 19 years old she was interviewed in a popular magazine.[2][4]

Personal life

Farida Vakil was exposed to many different types of music.[1] Vakil’s sister worked in the airline industry. [1]She frequently brought back records from all over the world which broadened Farida’s taste in music.[1] Her dad managed her bands.[1] He was very protective over his daughter but also very supportive of her.[1] Vakil got married in 1973, a couple of years after she joined The Riot Squad.[1]

Awards

Vakil won the Simla Beat contest in 1971 along with her band, The Riot Squad.[5]

Achievements

Farida Vakil got a record deal with the Riot Squad after winning the Simla Beat Contest. [5]

References

  1. ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17 "Meet the woman who founded one of India's first all-girl band in the '60s". Vogue India. 2016-11-28. Retrieved 2023-01-13.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 Sundar, Pavitra (2020). "Usha Uthup and Her Husky, Heavy Voice". In Brueck, Laura, Jacob Smith, and Neil Kanwar Harish Verma. (ed.). Indian Sound Cultures, Indian Sound Citizenship. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press. pp. 124–25.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: editors list (link)
  3. ↑ Sarawagi, Aditi (2019-03-10). "Women Achievers in Music". The Score Magazine. Retrieved 2023-02-17.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 "Artist in Focus: Farida Vakil". Red Bull. Retrieved 2023-01-13.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Apoorv (2021-03-08). "7 Rocking Female Fronted Acts From 60's to 90's India That Broke All Stereotypes". theindianmusicdiaries.com. Retrieved 2023-01-13.