Farida Vakil

founder of The Ladybirds one of India’s first all-girl band in the 1960s

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 change

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 change

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 change

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 change

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

Achievements change

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

References change

  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.