Shillong: Congress calls it "Meghalaya's way of life". On Tuesday, track kicked things off for the party's election campaign within the state.
The 'Concert for Peace', with Congress president Rahul Gandhi in attendance, was a cushy release of the party's campaign. A 6000-strong crowd turned up at the Polo Grounds. In the sea of folks inside the live performance venue, a 63-year-old lady was observed waving a Congress flag. Balawan Passah had made her manner from Jaiaw Langsning with a bunch of about 20 folks. They have been all right here to cheer for Rahul. As for the track, "I am here to dance," she said.
At the live performance, the Congress attach was underplayed and track took centre-stage. Music and Meghalaya are, in spite of everything, frequently said in the similar breath.
"As tribals, we have music in our blood," Rudy Wallang, singer-songwriter and guitarist for Soulmate, said. The blues band was the headliner for Tuesday's 'Concert for Peace'. "For us, the main concern is social issues. We see a lot happening around us that is very negative. Soulmate sings the blues to alleviate some of this negativity," Wallang said. "I am not interested in political parties. I am interested in a leader who can help actual development, which will bring about peace and prosperity," he added.
Political awareness is becoming more obvious within the Meghalaya track scene. Rap team Cryptographik Street Poets, for example, made waves with its protest track in opposition to uranium mining within the state. Musician-activist Gwyneth Alicia feels a change is underneath manner. "Music was just an entertainment business when I started out. Over the past 10-15 years, however, the music scene in Meghalaya has been emerging as a more politically conscious one. That is having a very significant impact."
Last 12 months, chief electoral officer Frederick Kharkongor had roped in folk-fusion band Summersalt to create consciousness about balloting rights and draw young citizens. Kit Shangpliang, who wrote the lyrics to the consequent collaboration, 'Tarak Tak Tak', said, "Music can and has been used to talk about social issues. Artistes have been doing that to improve the society." He added, "There is a valued section of right-thinking people in Meghalaya who would like voters to make their choices responsibly and ethically. We are with them."
The 'Concert for Peace', with Congress president Rahul Gandhi in attendance, was a cushy release of the party's campaign. A 6000-strong crowd turned up at the Polo Grounds. In the sea of folks inside the live performance venue, a 63-year-old lady was observed waving a Congress flag. Balawan Passah had made her manner from Jaiaw Langsning with a bunch of about 20 folks. They have been all right here to cheer for Rahul. As for the track, "I am here to dance," she said.
At the live performance, the Congress attach was underplayed and track took centre-stage. Music and Meghalaya are, in spite of everything, frequently said in the similar breath.
"As tribals, we have music in our blood," Rudy Wallang, singer-songwriter and guitarist for Soulmate, said. The blues band was the headliner for Tuesday's 'Concert for Peace'. "For us, the main concern is social issues. We see a lot happening around us that is very negative. Soulmate sings the blues to alleviate some of this negativity," Wallang said. "I am not interested in political parties. I am interested in a leader who can help actual development, which will bring about peace and prosperity," he added.
Political awareness is becoming more obvious within the Meghalaya track scene. Rap team Cryptographik Street Poets, for example, made waves with its protest track in opposition to uranium mining within the state. Musician-activist Gwyneth Alicia feels a change is underneath manner. "Music was just an entertainment business when I started out. Over the past 10-15 years, however, the music scene in Meghalaya has been emerging as a more politically conscious one. That is having a very significant impact."
Last 12 months, chief electoral officer Frederick Kharkongor had roped in folk-fusion band Summersalt to create consciousness about balloting rights and draw young citizens. Kit Shangpliang, who wrote the lyrics to the consequent collaboration, 'Tarak Tak Tak', said, "Music can and has been used to talk about social issues. Artistes have been doing that to improve the society." He added, "There is a valued section of right-thinking people in Meghalaya who would like voters to make their choices responsibly and ethically. We are with them."
Music sets the tone for Meghalaya’s poll battle
![Music sets the tone for Meghalaya’s poll battle]()
Reviewed by Kailash
on
February 01, 2018
Rating:
