In brief
Varihnaz combines farming and music, bringing light to rural life through their lyrics while gaining a fanbase amid China’s fast-paced culture.
As Varihnaz prepares for their first national tour, lead singer Ba Nong prioritizes his summer harvest on his farm in rural Guangxi, China. Just two days before their concert in Guilin, Ba reflects on the harmonious balance between his agricultural responsibilities and musical aspirations. "The land gets to rest, and I get to go play," he states, highlighting the uniqueness of their lifestyle.Comprised of two farmers and a former bricklayer, Varihnaz defies traditional music group norms. Their songs diverge from conventional themes of romance to focus on everyday rural challenges such as pesticides and poultry rearing. Reflecting the essence of their name, which translates to "fields filled with fragrant rice flowers," the band resonates with audiences seeking an antidote to the hyper-commercialism of contemporary Chinese entertainment.Ba Nong believes that their melodies promote a broader acceptance of diverse lifestyles, asserting that a tolerant society should embrace various ways of living. At 44, he finds joy in combining his two worlds, hoping his music will inspire others to consider releasing mainstream societal pressures.
