Bridging Cultures Through Music
The Bay Junction Band perform for Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to India
When the British Deputy High Commission in Mumbai asked Obelix Arts to handle the live music for Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit, the brief was simple; create something that reflected the shared energy of two nations: The Bay Junction Band.
The result was a British and Bollywood set of the most professional kind, transforming a diplomatic event into a shared moment of recognition and connection. While showcasing musical decades – classic & new – the song that captured the mantra perfectly, was Sapphire by Ed Sheeran.
From left to right: Noah Cerejo, Tiana Tara, Nastya “Saraswati”, Clement Rooney (C Roo), Tejas, Aman Singh Soni, Abhishek Dey
Led by Clement Rooney (a.k.a. C Roo), The Bay Junction Band drew together some of the most versatile musicians working in India today.
On guitar was Amandeep Singh, with Avishek Dey on bass and C Roo himself — a trio who also perform with Diljit Dosanjh.
They were joined by Nastya “Saraswati”, who brought both violin and bansuri to the mix, performing with the same ease she brings to her work with Bollywood composer Pritam.
At the drums, Noah Cerejo anchored the sound, an exceptional young player with a rare sensitivity shaped by a family steeped in music.
Vocals came from Tejas, one of India’s leading singers with a distinctive command of English-language repertoire, and Tiana Tara, whose tone and charisma added both strength and elegance to the night. Her voice carrying an unmistakable touch of her British roots.
What began as a diplomatic formality evolved into a deeply human cultural exchange, as the dock, flanked by the HMS Richmond, pulsed under the lights.
Tejas led the British setlist — pop, rock and plenty in between — with unforced confidence. Nastya moved from tight disco strings to Hindustani violin with ease, before switching to bansuri for Khaabon Ke Parinday, a moment of tranquility in an otherwise lively night.
The Bollywood numbers — Kyon, Iktara, Ghungroo — were delivered with real precision, in Bay Junction Band style, close to their studio originals but alive with the warmth of a live stage.
As the evening evolved, Tiana’s voice delighted listeners with a streak of modern, high-tempo UK anthems. Followed by Bang Bang, the ultimate Bollywood crowd pleaser – the dock came alive; with everyone sharing in this pulse of sound and celebration. For the encore, Tejas and Amandeep traded English and Punjabi vocals as the rest of the band joined in for the final unison “Sapphire”. The sound hung in the air, music as common ground.
By the end of the night, what began as a diplomatic formality had turned into something far less formal, and far more human.
The Bay Junction Band, with John Nickell; Head of Political & Bilateral Affairs
Performed and produced by The Bay Junction Band, Obelix Arts & The British Deputy High Commission, Mumbai
