India, Feb. 24 -- Singer Papon says no matter how much artificial intelligence (AI) advances, it can never replace the raw, earthy essence of traditional music. While Al-generated sounds and electronic music are becoming more prevalent, he insists that the human connection to organic sounds will always bring us back to our roots.

"We are going through a phase of discovering electronic sounds and moving closer towards artificial intelligence," says Papon, adding, "But as long as there is Earth, as long as there are earthy things, we will always come back to what is more raw and real. AI can't replace the soul of music!"

For Papon, this belief is deeply personal. Having grown up immersed in Assam's diverse folk traditions, he understands ...