Ever imagined music in its rawest form? The rhythmic beat of the clapbox setting the pulse, guitars strumming in harmony, a vocalist pouring their soul into every note – while the crowd sings along, sways to the melody, and becomes part of the music itself. A place where the boundary between artiste and audience fades, and together, they create a symphony of pure, unfiltered sound.

Ahmedabad has always had a vibrant cultural scene, embracing new ideas and innovations in art, music, and performance. The city has long been home to diverse creative expressions, from traditional folk music to modern indie sounds. 

Now, adding a fresh rhythm to this ever-evolving landscape is Ahmedabad Jamming Cult (AJC) – a first-of-its-kind open music community where local artistes can showcase their talent, collaborate, and create unforgettable musical experiences.

Started by Ritesh Vishwakarma, a corporate worker, vocalist, and a native of Nepal, AJC has quickly become a go-to destination for music lovers in Ahmedabad who crave authentic, raw, and soulful performances.

Self-taught vocalist’s vision

Ritesh Vishwakarma is not just the founder of AJC but also a passionate vocalist who learned music from his mother and internet, flourishing without any professional training. His journey proves that dedication and raw passion can shape an artist, and this belief became the foundation of AJC – a platform where anyone with talent can perform, regardless of their background or experience.

Ahmedabad’s first-of-its-kind jamming cult

AJC is the first-ever jamming cult in Ahmedabad, offering a unique and organic platform for musicians to perform, collaborate, and connect in an open, welcoming environment. Unlike conventional music platforms, AJC is completely free and takes place mostly every weekend at the scenic Sabarmati Riverfront.

A stage without boundaries

What makes AJC truly special is that it is a stage without boundaries – an open, inclusive space where artistes can share their talent without restrictions. There are no tickets, no formalities, and no judgment – just pure music, raw performances, and a community of people who love the art.

The idea behind AJC started as an experiment. Vishwakarma, along with his friend, decided to jam outside Abhivyakti, an art festival in Ahmedabad, right in the parking lot. The response which they received there was overwhelming. Seeing the enthusiasm of passersby who stopped to listen, they realised they need to streamline and create a stage for people to connect more.

From that moment, they took the idea to the Sabarmati Riverfront, a place where people come to unwind, reflect, and now – enjoy live music. Started near the end of December 2024, now within just three months, AJC has grown into a recognised platform, drawing an increasing number of artistes and attendees every weekend. Social media buzz has further fuelled its rise, making it one of Ahmedabad’s most exciting places for music lovers.

Music scene for everyone

AJC welcomes all kinds of music – Bollywood classics, retro tunes, indie music, and even experimental sounds. The goal is simple: to create an experience where music lovers feel connected and artists feel encouraged. There’s no competition, only collaboration.

Platform created by artiste, for artistes

For those who have always wanted to perform but never had a stage, AJC is the perfect opportunity. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or someone just starting their musical journey, AJC offers a space where talent is appreciated and music is celebrated.

So, if you’re in Ahmedabad and looking for something fresh, exciting, and musical, head to the riverfront weekend and experience AJC for yourself. 

What does artistes have to say about AJC?

Gujarat Samachar Digital spoke with artistes after their performances at the Ahmedabad Jamming Cult (AJC) session this Sunday at Riverfront House. Many artistes shared how these sessions have become a source of solace, personal growth, and creative expression for them.

Founder’s take

Ritesh Vishwakarma, the founder of AJC, told GS Digital that he created this platform for artistes who want to showcase their talent but lack opportunities.

“My goal with AJC is clear – to create a platform for artistes in Ahmedabad. Anyone and everyone is welcome here. It’s also for audiences who cannot afford concerts or simply want to enjoy music freely. AJC is for them,” he said.

A passionate journey for music

Abhi Purohit, a keys player, vocalist, and project engineer from Anand, travels to Ahmedabad every weekend solely for the jamming session. “I come here to showcase my talent and enjoy the vibe. I first learned about AJC through social media, got in touch with them, and now make sure to plan my schedule accordingly to be here every weekend,” he said.

As a working professional, he doesn’t get much time to indulge in his passion for music, but these sessions provide him with an escape. “Singing here and putting my soul into music is the best part. Seeing people enjoy our performances makes it even more special,” he added.

A platform for learning and growth

Aakash, who performs under the stage name ‘Scy’, is a trained classical singer and a working professional. He appreciates how AJC provides a welcoming space for artistes. “It’s a great opportunity to connect with people and experiment with new ideas. It’s both a learning experience and an enjoyable one. Performing here before a live audience has helped me build confidence and grow as an artiste,” he shared.

Music as a catalyst for healing

Ajeenkya Nath, a guitarist, vocalist, and HR manager from Udaipur, has been in Ahmedabad for the past four months to care for his hospitalised sister. For him, music acts as a powerful catalyst, helping him express and connect with people.

As the setlist and playlist curator at AJC, he ensures that each session flows smoothly and that everyone enjoys the experience. He first discovered AJC while struggling with depression. “One day, while walking along the riverfront, I saw a group of people playing guitar and jamming. It reignited my love for music, and I started playing with them. Now, for the past three months, I’ve been a part of this community, performing every weekend,” he said.

Finding a home through music

Gautami Mahaldar, an architect by profession and a vocalist from Karnataka, learned music from her mother. After moving to Ahmedabad for work, she initially struggled with the language barrier and felt isolated. However, one day while exploring the city, she stumbled upon the jamming session at the riverfront and immediately felt a connection.

“Look at these people now; it has grown into a massive crowd attraction. I am a lead vocalist and have learned classical music, but I never thought I would be able to connect with people in this city. Now, my weekends are all about singing my heart out, and during the week, I focus on work,” she said.

Through AJC, Gautami said that she has learned Gujarati songs, which she considers a personal achievement. “I have performed in Karnataka and Goa, but this is a completely new experience for me. If given the opportunity, I would love to pursue music professionally,” she added.

These jamming sessions have become more than just musical gatherings; they are a space for artistes to express themselves, find healing, and build a supportive community in Ahmedabad.

Audience reaction

The jamming session starts with around 30 to 40 people and gradually grows to at least 100 by the end. The audience is highly engaging – they hype up the artistes and join in the experience. The jamming session at the riverfront has quickly become the real hype of Ahmedabad.

A guy who recently moved back from Europe said, “This kind of jamming and showcasing talent is very common in Europe, but seeing it for the first time in Ahmedabad is interesting. It shows that the city is growing,” he shared.