Thirty-five years later, I confront a situation that makes me realize that a string of the Sarangi, the musical instrument that Kumar Subba sang of, had snapped, or the ‘phool’ (flower) that he spoke of in his songs had fallen from its plant forever.

An iconic figure in the Nepali music world, Subba breathed his last in a private nursing home in Siliguri in West Bengal on 15 January 2022, leaving the entire Nepali-speaking community that loved him and adored him grief-stricken.

Born on 11 March 1944 at Thana Line in Darjeeling town to mother Krishnamati and father Bir Hang Subba, Kumar Subba went to the Bhanu Bhakta Primary School in the town, where his teachers included the noted poet Agam Singh Giri. Subba cleared his class-X board exams from Turnbull High School in Darjeeling, and later joined the Harsing Primary School as a teacher in 1964. Fond of singing since his childhood, Subba later joined the Song and Drama Unit in the West Bengal Department of Information and Culture in 1985.

Subba made his first major appearance when he sang a song written and composed by Ashok Rai in the Gorkha Dukha Niwarak Sammelan hall in Darjeeling in 1963, and went on to record his first song at the HMV studios in Kolkata in 1968, the year he also started his association with Radio Kurseong and Radio Nepal.

Among the several awards and citations he received were the ‘Rajya Abhisekh’ Silver Medal in Nepal (1974), Dishari Puraskar, Kolkata, 1991, Aruna Lama Saalig Nirmaan Puraskar, Bijanbari, 1999, Aruna Lama Smriti Puraskar, 2001, Samman Puraskar, Gorkha Jan Mukti Morcha, Darjeeling, 2006, and the Sangeet Samman Puraskar, West Bengal Government, 2012.

As the entire Gorkha community paid their heartfelt tributes to the veteran singer during his demise, noted personalities in the art and music field and people who knew him closely recalled how humble Subba was as a human being.

“He was a very good person, and when it comes to his singing, his voice and words came out very clear, something other contemporary singers lacked,” said veteran music composer Karma Yonzon, who said “Kumar Bhai” sang around 60-70 of his songs, during their long association in the Hill music scenario.

“He also was very particular about the taal/rhythm/beats and used to focus very well on it. As a person, he was a jovial man, full of mirth. He was very dear to me, my right hand in my musical journey,” Mr Yonzon added.

“He was a devta (God), who never hurt anyone, humble, down to earth, yet jolly and jovial,” recalled JS Rai, a relative of Subba.

As Subba grew in the music field and went on to record over 500 songs in his long, illustrious career, he made association with several top musicians in Darjeeling Hills and Nepal, some noted ones being Karma Yonzon, Gopal Yonzon, Ambar Gurung, Sharan Pradhan, Durga Kharel and Manikamal Chhetri.

Noted among the singers he sang songs with include Narayan Gopal, Pema Lama, Ramesh Bardewa, Pawan Golay, Aruna Lama, Shanti Thatal, Dawa Gyalmo, Daisy Baraily and Hira Rasaily.

Among his popular songs are ‘Sarangi ko taar ley mero…’, ‘Hey phool..” and ‘Phool bhaye feri fulthey…,” which people still hum, and listen to with joy, and which have the same freshness they had over 35 years ago.

Undoubtedly a gem in the Nepali music field, Subba was laid to rest near his home at Harsing Hatta in Lebong, Darjeeling, on 17 January. He has left behind his wife, Kamal Subba, daughters Rachana and Niranjana, son Rishav and two granddaughters Khusi and Khusboo.

Subba’s final rites have been scheduled for 23 January (Sunday) at the community hall near his home at Harsing in Lebong, Darjeeling.

This article was originally posted in The Statesman

Writes: Ashish Pradhan

The post In Memorium: Kumar Subba appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

Here’s their story

The Band

 Vocals: Sherab Namgyal Bhutia 
 Guitars: Regan Rai 
 Bass: Avyuday Naween Khaling 
 Keyboards: Mishael Dan Pradhan 
 Drums: Ashish Shrestha 

TheDC: Who are the “Educators”? What brought you guys together?

Educators: It is the love for music and common interest that brought all of us under the same roof “Educators”. We work together as Teachers at the Turnbull H.S. School we named ourselves as EDUCATORS. Our Drummer Ashish Shreshta completed his schooling from Turnbull H.S. School, and is now in college.

To put it formally, “Educators” are a Nepali rock band formed in 2018. The band is influenced by rock and the new wave of Nepali heavy metal and soft rock music. We like to experiment with music by blending mainstream traditional concepts with rock/soft rock genres.

TheDC: Have you guys performed anywhere?

Educators: On October 20 of 2018, we debuted at GDNS hall, with some renowned bands of Darjeeling. From there the journey started and since then we have worked on the creation of our originals. SAMAY, which is our debut single, was released on Sunday the 23rd May 2021.

TheDC: Tell us more about “Samay”

Educators: “SAMAY,” reminds us how our life sways between two extremes.  “Happiness and Sadness”, “Pleasure and Pain”‘ are two sides of our life, ‘Thinking’ is an imaginary wheel that processes, “Pleasure and Pain”, we experience both, but in the process, the imaginary thinking wheel, which grows bigger the more we think, should not ruin our life. Don’t let yourself come under the pressure of your Thinking Wheel and lay waste to your life. Love and live your life to the fullest. Life is so uncertain so make the most of it. Live, love, motivate your loved ones, stay happy, it is with this message we created this song” says lyricist and the band frontman Sherab.

TheDC: What next, what’s cooking?

Educators: We are more inclined to work on our original compositions, rather than doing covers. There is a lot more coming, next, we have “NAATA” a soft rock song, “JHUKDAINA GORKHA” with more cultural taste, “SUNSAAN CHA” and a lot more…

Besides imparting quality education, we would like to share our message of love to bring about unity among the people of Darjeeling hills, through music…

 “Educators” – the profile

Sherab Namgyal

Rinzing Namgyal Bhutia aka Sherab Namgyal is the Frontman of the band. He is the Lead Vocalist, Song writer and Composer. Originally from Sukay Pokhari, Sherab is not a trained singer but was part of the Choir at St. Augustine’s School (Kalimpong) since childhood, and later at SUMI (Kalimpong) where he used to sing tenor and bass under vocal coaches, Late Mr. Chandra Mohan Ghising (SAS), and Mr. Sanjay Samuel Rai (SUMI).

Previously, he had fronted a few short-lived bands like “Aatma”, “Shristi” from Sukay Pokhari. Performed at Gorkha Rocks buildup shows and also given invitational performance at Sikkim Manipal University.

He has written and composed songs Aandakarma, Maan, Samay, Jatitwa (lyrics Suresh Mukhia), and is now the songwriter and lead vocals at EDUCATORS. His previous recordings include songs in Gorkha Rocks – Volume II & III, and Noise Volume I (a rock songs compilation).

Avyuday Naween Khaling

Avyuday Naween Khaling is the bassist for the band. He is interested in all genres of music with a further incline towards Classic rock, Heavy metal, funk, and blues. He learned to pick up the bass guitar listening to bands like Iron Maiden, Megadeth, Metallica, and famous Darjeelingey bands like Mantra and Reincarnation.

“I was never into the public music scene until Educators happened, where all of us blended as a band and being colleagues, we have the utmost respect for each other. Our passion for music binds us together” says he.

Regan Rai

Regan Rai is the lead guitarist and music composer. Born and raised in Darjeeling, Regan is a talented guitarist. He is an innovative and technically gifted guitarist. He was influenced as a guitarist by the likes of Paul Gilbert, John Petrucci, Marty Friedman. His solos are a big part of what gives the song its enduring appeal.

Ashish Pradhan

Ashish Pradhan the drummer for the band is a former student of Turnbull Higher Secondary School. His brilliant drumming provides the rhythmical base for the band. Encouraged and assisted by his friends he started drumming in 2014. As a drummer, he got influenced by Vinnie Paul, Chris Adler, etc. His career started with his creativity and he has also made some appearances with other bands like “Left Behind” and “Unwise Obligation.”

Mishael Pradhan

Mishael Pradhan is the Keyboard player. He has been playing piano and keyboard since high school. He currently teaches music at Elim Melody Academy and is a teacher at Turnbull HS school.

Do Like, Share and Subscribe.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYPxoFyRjnNBXY44acdSaLQ

Follow Them At
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/educatorsmusic2018/
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/educ.atorsofficial/
Regan Rai: https://www.facebook.com/regan.rai.9
Sherab Namgyal Bhutia: https://www.facebook.com/sherabnamgyal.bhutia
Ashish Pradhan: https://www.facebook.com/ashish.pradhan.54
Mishael Pradhan: https://www.facebook.com/mishael.pradhan
Avyuday Naween Khaling: https://www.facebook.com/avyuday.naween.shuvra.khaling

The post “Educators” – Portrait of a Band appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

Ama: Shanti Tamang
Baba: Manikumar Waiba
School(s): up to Class X from Munsong High School, Higher Secondary: SUMI, Kalimpong
College(s): Government College, Darjeeling
University(s): North Bengal University

The DC: So tell us something about your journey, what got you interested in Music?

Deepankar: I started loving music from the very beginning, it probably came to me from my parents, though they are not musicians but they are music lovers. I remember unlike other kids who asked for toys or other stuffs from their parents, I used to ask for a guitar, I don’t know where that idea came to me at that age because I knew no one who played a guitar at that time. I started humming and singing at very early age, I even used to make my own flute with pieces of bamboos and pipes and play old Nepali and Hindi tunes.

Back then, my father owned a tape recorder and he used to make me and my brother sing and record our songs in a cassette, later during the evenings we used to sit together and listen to those recordings. My mother used to tell me that I will become a singer one day. I grew up listening to all kinds of music and also played various instruments, we formed rock bands in schools and I started composing music and doing live shows.

Later on during the college and university days I invested most of my time learning music and playing guitar. My friends who played with me, the musicians I met along the way and my cousin who is a professional flutist also inspired me a lot.

The DC: Is your family supportive of your musical endeavours?

Deepankar: Yes, they have always been supportive in all my endeavors in fact they love my singing and compositions, my father has also written a song for me which I have composed and recorded.

The DC: You are a WBCS officer, and a very talented artist too – so how do you identify yourself more as an economist/artist/musician or a bureaucrat?

Deepankar: There were times when I worked in different capacities, I started as a Social Worker, then as a Teacher , as an Administrator and Bureaucrat, my role has changed over time, right now I prefer to be identified as a Public Servant by Profession and a Musician by passion.

The DC: So how do you balance your time between your passion and your work?

Deepankar: People often ask this question, but you have to step out of your comfort zone to follow your passion. It seems difficult, but it is not if you only give a little thought and act accordingly. Through all these years I have learned that the most important thing that is required for balancing is to keep oneself disciplined. Since the amount of time you get is something that you cannot change, all you can do is change your habits; I try to keep myself healthy, do regular practice and follow strict schedules while working on my recordings and compositions. In order to save time I do all my recordings by myself and keep my arrangements as simple as possible.

The DC: How have the responses been so far?

Deepankar: Wonderful, people have immensely loved my singles, both ‘Akash Paari’ and ‘Darjeeling’ are doing great. Till now people from all ages having varied musical tastes and preferences have shown acceptance to the kind of music I have been doing, they have showered their love and support. Both the songs are creating a buzz.

Messages are pouring in from the content creators and other artists as well, appreciating my work and expressing their willingness to collaborate for various projects, I want to thank them all for their love and support. My compositions are loved not only by Nepali speaking people but people who speak other languages as well. I get messages from people asking for a translation of the songs that I have released. I am very much positive and excited to bring more songs of the like.

The DC: What were the difficulties you faced in your journey and how did you overcome them?

Deepankar: I was born and raised during the very hard times of eighties in the place called Munsong, which is a Government cinchona plantation in the erstwhile Sub-Division of Kalimpong, so the problems I have faced during my early days are typical to the problems faced by the youths from the Hills.

The opportunities were limited and the whole generation was in a grip of utter confusion and disorderly system. School-Drop outs, unemployment, substance abuses and crimes were rampant. But I never let myself lose my focus from studies. I did not consider my journey as a journey of myself alone, it was rather a journey of the entire village where I belonged, I was kind of representing hopes and dreams of many people. There is this typical thing about being a lad from a village, because unlike cities here everyone knows who you are and what you are doing, so there is some kind of expectation not only from your family but from the society as a whole.

So during the entire journey I always felt, and I still do, that I have shouldered a responsibility to prove that there is no alternative to education if that vicious circle is to be broken. The pressure of completing my education with good results and making a descent life came not from my parents, but I had to do it for the gamut of people who ran away from education and for those parents who never thought worthwhile in investing in their children’s education.

It was something that I understood in the very beginning and I had planed my journey accordingly. Cracking public service was a tedious task and required perseverance, there were difficult times, sometimes it was hard to manage things, but with the support of my friends and family I reached where I had to. I am glad that I did play my role thoroughly and it did yield the result, today I am glad to see that in our locality children’s education is given a primary place and people appreciate what I did. Amid all these, music was something which I never let to die; I kept learning and polishing my skill. I already had a plan on the back of my mind that I will bring my music to people and I felt this is the right time to do, so during the mid 2019,

I collaborated with my old college buddy Srijana Lilian who is a fantastic writer and I started working on my first single: ‘Akash Paari’ after that I did ‘Darjeeling’ and now I busy finalizing the works on a full length album, which will be released very soon.

The DC: What advice would you give others who may want to follow up in your shoes?

Deepankar: Do not give up your passion, keep working on it and focus on what you should be doing. You will come to know your inner self only by contemplating what you are meant to do. It does not matter if you are making it big or small or late or early, all that matters is whether you are giving enough time to know your true self. Since we are living in the age where knowledge of the entire universe is at the tip of our fingers, make the most out of it.

Keep learning and refining your skill. This is the time to break all stereotypes and explore your true capacity.

The post Deepankar Waiba – A Musical Bureaucrat appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

2 जुलाई 1995 सालमा दिवंगत हुनभएका महान संगीतकार, शब्दकार, गायक स्व. जीतेन्द्र बरदेवाको 25औं पूण्यतिथिमा सश्रद्धा भावपूर्ण श्रद्धाञ्जली अर्पण गर्दै यो सानो लेख्न प्रस्तुत गर्ने प्रयास गरेकी छु। – मेनुका प्रधान, दार्जीलिङ

‘‘कलाकार त्यस्तो व्यक्तिलाई भन्नपर्छ जसले आफ्नो सम्पूर्ण जीवन कलाको निम्ति उत्सर्ग गरेको होस्, नवोदितहरूलाई हामी प्रतिभा भन्न सक्छौं तर कलाकार होइन।’’

गोर्खा दु:ख निवारक सम्मेलन, दार्जीलिङको मञ्चबाट एकदिन प्रतिष्ठित गायक संगीतकार गगन गुरुङले भनेका यी वाक्यहरू पटक पटक सम्झने गर्छु। साँच्चै हो, साँचो अनि समर्पित कलाकार जनमन वर्षौ लाग्छ। दार्जीलिङे सांगीतिक इतिहासका अध्यायहरू पल्टाएर हेर्ने हो भने संगीतका अनुयायीहरू (संगीतकार, गायक— गायिका, वाध्यवादक) असंख्य छन्। तर साँचो कलाकार भने थोरै संख्यामा पाउँछौं। यस्तौ आफ्नो मृत्यु पर्यन्त संगीतलाई अंगालेर जीवनको खुराक बनाउने अनि विशिष्टि संवेदनशील गीतकार, संगीतकार, गायक थिए श्रद्धेय स्व.जीतेन्द्र बरदेवा।

दार्जीलिङ बजारदेखि केही टाड़ा चियाका बुट्टाहरूले हरियो पछ्यौरी फिजाएर सजाएको चिया कमान गींगमा 8 मार्च 1942 को दिन संगीतको सेवा गर्न धरतीमा पाइलो टेके जीतेन्द्र बरदेवाले । पिता स्व. सहबीर बरदेवा अनि माता मनकुमारी बरदेवाको माइलो छोरो जीतेन्द्र बरदेवालाई शैशव अवस्थादेखि नै संगीतप्रति चासो भएको मुख्य कारण उनका पिता तिनताक दार्जीलिङ भेकमा हराउँदै गइरहेको नरसिंह वादक थिए। ती वाध्यवादनकै भाका अनि तालमा आफ्नो शैशवकालको खुड़किलो टेक्दै अघि बढ़ेका जीतेन्द्र बरदेवाले गीत गाउने अप्रत्यक्ष प्रेरणा पाए ठूल्दाई कमल बरदेवाबाट। यसरी चियाबारीका ती हरिया आँगनहरूमा संगीतसित साइनो गाँस्दै हिँड़िरहेको बेला अचानक उनको बुबाले चियाबारी छोड़ने निर्णय लिएपश्चात गींग कमानदेखि सँधैको निम्ति सरूवा हुन्छ इडेन अस्पताल मुन्तिरको वासमा। दार्जीलिङ शहर पसेपछि शिक्षार्जन गर्न टर्नबुल हाईस्कूलमा भर्ना गराइन्छ। तिनताक संगीतकार अनि संगीत पारखी श्रद्धेय स्व. दलसिंह गहतराज उक्त पाठशालाका शिक्षक हुनाकारणले साथै उनको पारखी नजरले जीतेन्द्र बरदेवाको गाउने दक्षता देखेर प्रोत्साहन दिन विभिन्न प्रकारका गीतहरू गाउन लाँउथे। परिवारका माहौल सँगसँगै स्कूलमा पनि गाउन पर्ने हुनाले संगीतप्रति झन् गहिरो चासो बढ़दै गयो। तर जवानीको संघारमा पहिलो खुड़किलो राख्न अघि 1958 सालतिर सातौं श्रेणीको अध्यापनसित बिदा मागी पल्टने जीवनसित मीत लाउन पुगे, पढ़ाईदेखि विमुख भएतापनि संगीतसित भने विमुख हुन सकेनन् उनी। पल्टनमा पनि विभिन्न सांगीतिक कार्यक्रमतिर हिन्दी नेपाली गीतहरू गाइनै रहे अनि आफूलाई संगीतको अझ नगीज नगीज पाउँदै गए। कोमल हृदयी जीतेन्द्र बरदेवालाई पल्टने जीवनले पनि सन्तुष्टि दिन सकेन फेरि फर्के आफ्नै जन्मथलो दार्जीलिङ। त्यसबेलासम्म जीतेन्द्र बरदेवा अनि संगीत एकाअर्काका सम्पूरक बनिसकेका थिए। संगीतकै निम्ति यताउति भट्किरहेको बेला अम्बर गुरूङ, शरण प्रधान, कपिलराज सुब्बा, कर्म योञ्जन, गोपाल योञ्जन, रञ्जीत गजमेर आदिद्वारा सञ्चालित आर्ट अकादमी संस्थामा श्री रञ्जीत गजमेरले प्रवेश गराएपछि नेपाली संगीत जगतलाई अझ व्यापक बनाउन सहयोग पुर्‍याए जीतेन्द्र बरदेवाले। ‘आर्ट अकादमी’-मा प्रवेश गरेपश्चात अम्बर गुरुङको संसर्गमा धेरै मीठा मीठा गीतहरू गाउने अवसर पाए। गोर्खा दु:ख निवारक सम्मेलनद्वारा आयोजित नेपाली संगीत प्रतियोगितामा अम्बर गुरुङद्वारा संगीतबद्ध दुई गीतहरू :

1. कहाँ जानु मैले बाटो कहीं छैन
2. रातभरी दियो जलाइरहे
    आशाको हुरी चली नै रह्यो
    तर मेरो दियो जली नै रह्यो॥

उक्त दुइ गीतहरू प्रस्तुत गरेर पुरस्कृत भएका थिए उनी। जीतेन्द्र बरदेवाको स्वरमा माधुर्य मात्र नभएर शब्द कोर्ने, संगीत रचना गर्ने क्षमता प्रचुर मात्रामा थियो। एउटा गीतलाई लोकप्रिय अनि सफल बनाउन शब्द, संगीत  अनि गायनको (सामन्जस्यमा) मिलेको हुनपर्छ। शब्दकारले आफ्नो भावनामा डुबेर मनका भावहरू सादा पानामा पोखेका हुन्छन्। शब्दकारको भावनालाई संगीतकारले पनि उतिकै गहन ढंगले ती शब्दहरूलाई संगीतले सिंगार्न सक्नपर्छ अनि अन्तमा गायक गायिकाले शब्दकार अनि संगीतकाको भावना साथै संगीतको अभिव्यक्तिलाई आफ्नो गायनद्वारा श्रोतासमक्ष पुर्‍याउन सकेमात्र सो गीतलाई सफल र लोकप्रिय मानिन्छ। यी तीनै गुणहरूका समावेश हुन जीतेन्द्र बरदेवा। आफूले देखेका भोगेका क्षणहरूलाई शब्दमा पोखी, शाब्दिक अनुरूप संगीतले सजाएर आफैले गाउने क्षमता राख्ने जीतेन्द्र बरदेवाका गीतहरू यसैकारण मर्मस्पर्शी, भावयुक्त, श्रोताको हृदयलाई छुने ओजनदार भएको मान्नपर्छ।  नेपाली सांगीतिक संसारमा यस्ता विभूतिहरूलाई दार्जीलिङले जन्माएको निश्चय नै हो। जसमध्ये अम्बर गुरूङ, गोपाल (योन्जन) जीतेन्द्र बरदेवा, गगन गुरुङ, अरूणा लामा, दिलमाया खाती,नवीन बरदेवा,कर्म योन्जन,शान्ति ठटाल आदि।  यी समकालीन विभूतिहरूलाई शब्द, संगीत र गायनको वरदान दिएकी थिइन् माता सरस्वतीले। तीमध्ये अम्बर गुरूङ अनि गोपाल योन्जन नेपालतर्फ लागे। दार्जीलिङमै बसेर संगीतको सेवा गर्ने अठोट गर्नेहरूमा जीतेन्द्र बरदेवा एक थिए। आज उनीहरूकै योगदानले आधुनिक नेपाली संगीत समृद्ध बनेको छ भनी किटान गर्न सकिन्छ।

अम्बर गुरुङको लोक मनोरञ्जन शाखा , दार्जीलिङमा नियुक्ति भएपश्चात् उनीद्वारा सञ्चालित संस्था आर्ट अकादमी पनि धेरै दिन दिगो रहन सकेन, फलस्वरूप प्रकाशसिंह गहतराजको देखरेखमा अर्को संस्था ‘संगम’-को जन्मले दार्जीलिभित्र अनि बाहिर प्रसिद्धि कमाइरहेथ्यो।  नेपाली संगीत प्रतियोगितामा पनि संगम कै नाम पहिलो स्थानमा आउने गर्थ्यो। कालान्तरमा ‘संगम’-भित्रका कलाकारहरू पनि धेरै वर्ष एकजुट भएर बस्न सकेनन्, परिवर्तनशील समयको चपेटमा परेर कोही कता कोही कता लागेपछि आफ्नै सांगीतिक संस्था सावन स्थापना गरे जीतेन्द्र बरदेवाले। यसरी संगीतको प्रवाहमा इन्तु न चिन्तु भई बगिरहेको बेला मनभित्र कता कता आफू अपूर्ण रहेको आभास हुन्छ उनलाई, दालभात जुटाउन कामको निम्ति मंग्पु तीन माइलमा पी डब्लु डी को मुन्शी भएर जीवन धान्ने क्रममा लागेका जीतेन्द्रजीले 1968 सालमा सिन्कोना बगानकै थापा मगर परिवारकी अति सुशील, मृदुभाषी सावित्री थापा मगरलाई जीवनसंगिनी बनाउने बाचा गरी घर भित्र्याउँछन्। दाम्पत्य जीवनको घेरोभित्र पसेपछि अनेकौं अड़चनहरूको सामना गर्दै शिलाङतिरसम्म कतिपय समय बिताउन बाध्य बनेका बरदेवा दम्पति ड़ाँड़ापारी बसेर पनि दार्जीलिङको सम्झनाले प्रत्येक पल पोलिरहँदा पुन: दार्जीलिङ फर्कन्छन् अनि भालूखोपको प्राथमिक पाठशालामा शिक्षकको रूपमा कार्य गर्न थाल्छन्। रहँदा बस्दा जब अम्बर गुरुङ नेपालतिर लागेपछि उनकै स्थानमा सन् 1965 मा लोक मनोरञ्जन शाखा दार्जीलिङमा आफ्नो मनले चाहेको काम प्रमुख संगीतकारको पदमा नियुक्त पाएपछि मीठा मीठा अतुलनीय कालजयी गीतहरू रच्न अनि संगीत भर्न सक्षम भए। लोक मनोरञ्जन शाखामा उनी मृत्युपर्यन्त कार्यरत थिए। पाँच छोरी अनि एक छोराका पिता जीतेन्द्र बरेदेवाको संगीत रचनाको समयमा सम्झँदै ठूली छोरी मञ्जरी बरदेवा भन्छिन् – घरमा बाबाले गीत रचना गर्दा हामी छोरा छारीमध्ये कसैले अलिकति पनि हल्ला गरे साह्रो रिसाउनुहुन्थ्यो, त्यसपछि ता हामी सबै डरले एककुनामा चुपचाप बस्थ्यौं।  त्यसै त अति सरल, सोझा, आँखामा हालेपनि नबिझाउने व्यक्ति, कहिले अरूको कुरा नगर्ने, कसैले कुरा गरिहाले गीत गुनगुनाउँदै अर्कोतिर लाग्थे। यसरी हरेक पल संगीतभित्र रूमलिने कलाकारको भावाभिव्यक्ति प्रकट गर्ने माध्यम शुरू शरुमा सरस्वती पूजा , सत्यनारायणको पूजा हुनेगर्थ्यो। वर्तमानमा पश्चिमी संगीतको प्रशस्त प्रभाव हाम्रो युवा पिढ़ीमा परे झैं तिनताक हिन्दी चलचित्रका गीतहरूको प्रभाव परेको यी गीतहरूबाट थाह पाउँछौं।

1. ये दुनियाँ तेरी दिलकी तस्वीर है बाबा
2. लो खून से खून जुदा हुवा
                र
3. मन तड़पत हरि दर्शनको आज
         (फिल्म बैजु बावरा)

मोहम्मद रफीद्वारा गाइएका उक्त गीतहरू प्राय: जसो पूजातिर गाउने गर्थे बरदेवाजीले । धेरै वर्ष जीतेन्द्रजीसितै काम गर्ने सहकर्मी वरिष्ठ वाध्यवादक दिलीप विश्व भन्छन्- प्रकृतिको प्रत्येक वस्तुमा संगीत भरिएको हामी सुन्छौं। यही संगीतभित्र चुर्लुम्म डुबेर आफूले देखेका भोगेका, अनुभव गरेका ती क्षणहरूलाई जीवन्त बनाई जीतेनले श्रोतासमक्ष राख्ने सदैव प्रयास गरेका छन्। आफ्ना गीतहरूमा सुम्पेको गीतको घटना थियो । (साँचो घटना)

कुइरोले ढाकिएको एक साँझ सिमसिम पानी परिरहेको बेला एउटा पागल मान्छे कराउँदै शमशानघाट जाने बाटोतर्फ गएको देखेर रचेको यस गीतले जीवन्त द़ृश्य प्रस्तुत गर्दछ :

एक रात मान्छेदेखि मान्छे हराई
कालो रातमा प्रेतात्मा झैं
सिमसिमे पानीमा भिज्ने
बिचरा त्यो को होला?
कुकुर भुक्ने सियाल रूने
शमशानको बाटोमा
एउटा मान्छे जवानीमै
बौलाउने को होला?

जीतेन्द्र बरदेवाका गीत संगीतभित्र दृश्यहरू पनि चित्रित भएको भान हुन्छ। उनका गीतहरू सुन्दै गए एक सिद्धहस्त चित्रकारले अवश्य नै गीत संगीतभित्रको भावनालाई क्यान्भसमा उतार्न सक्छ। उनका गीतहरूमा दार्जीलिङपन झल्केको पाइन्छ, जुन गीतहरू सुन्नसाथ दार्जीलिकै संगीतकारको गीत हुनपर्छ भन्ने भान श्रोतावर्गमा पर्न जान्छ । जो नेपालका गीत संगीतसित मेल खाँदैन। सायद यसैकारण होला बंगालका ख्यातिप्राप्त निर्देशक तपन सिन्हाले

जीतेन्द्र बरदेवाको गीत :
अहिले त मेरो जोबन
सानै छ सानै कोपिला
फक्रेपछि हे दैव
लहलह होला कि ओइलेला।

उक्त गीतको संगीतले मन्त्रमुग्ध भई शब्दलाई बंगालमा अनुवाद गरी संगीतलाई जस्ताको तस्तै राखेर उनको चर्चित बंगला अनि हिन्दी चलचित्र ‘सगीना महतो’-मा ‘छोटुु छोटु पाखी’ गीत राखेका थिए। जुन गीत बंगाली समुदायमा अति नै लोकप्रिय भएको थियो, अनि सुप्रसिद्ध नायिका सायरा बानोमाथि छायांकन गरिएको थियो। चलचित्रमा परेका गीतहरूमध्ये नेपाली चलचित्र पिरतीको गीत :

मेरो आशले मेरो भागले
पर अझ पर छोड़ी रहेछ मलाई।

उक्त गीतको शब्द संगीत जीतेन्द्र बरदेवाको हुँदाहुँदै पनि अन्य संगीतकारले संगीतबद्ध गरेको भन्दा जीतेन्द्र बरदेवा साथै उनका परिवारले आपत्ति जनाएका थिए। पछि गएर उनको जीवनकालमा नै जीतेन्द्र बरदेवाज्यूले उक्त गीत उनको एउटै मात्र गीति एल्बम ‘चैत वैशाख’-मा भरेका छन् आफ्नै स्वरमा। जीतेन दाइले उक्त गीत अपहरणबारे मलाई पनि गुनासो पोखाएका हुन्। हामी एउटै कार्यालयमा कार्यरत छँदा यसै सन्दर्भमा मैले भेनेकी थिएँ – ‘‘तपाईको गीतहरू अपहरण भइरहेछ अनि तपााई भन्दा साना साना गायक संगीतकारहरूले क्यासेट निकालीसके तपाई चाहिँ पिउँदै बस्नोस्।’’ नभन्दै त्यही वर्ष उनको प्रथम अनि अन्तिम गीति एल्बममा आफू लगायत तीन छोरीहरू, मञ्जरी, चन्द्रिका, अल्का, प्रतिष्ठित गायक संगीतकार मणिकमल छेत्री, पेमा लामा, रिमला मोक्तानको स्वरले भरेर चैत वैशास नामकरण गरी श्रोतावर्गलाई सुम्पिए। यही गीति एल्बम आज हामीमाझ चिनो स्वरूप छाड़िगएका छन् जीतेन्द्र बरदेवाले। आफ्नै प्रयास  र लगानीले तयार पारिएको गीति एल्बम चैत बैशाख भन्दा 60 को दशकतिर जीतेन्द्रजीले आफूले कोरेको शब्दहरूलाई संगीतकारद्वय शरण – रन्जीत स्व.शरण प्रधान अनि रन्जीत गजमेरको संगीत रचनामा निम्न गीतहरू एच एम भी कम्पनीबाट रेकर्ड गराईसकेका थिए। गायिकाको रूपमा साथ दिएकी थिइन् स्वर सम्राज्ञी अरूणा लामाले । ती लोकप्रिय कालजयी गीतहरू हुन् –

1. यहाँ फूल नखिली छ
2. हेर न हेर कान्छा ड़ाँड़ालाई फूलले ढाक्यो
3. देवरालीको पाखामा आज
4. यहाँ निश्चल छ जीवन (?)

हिन्दुस्तान रेकर्ड कम्पनीबाटै रेकर्ड न. एस एल एच 1012 मा 45 आर पी एम को एकतर्फ गीत न. 7द्बगए16539 मा नारीले यो जातै पाई माइती छोड़नलाई र गीत न. 7द्बगए16540 मा।

भुकभुके उजेलीमा पहाड़ हाँस्यो है, सहगायक प्रह्लाद थुलुङसित गाएको हामी पाउँछौं। यसबाहेक रेडियो नेपालबाट पनि कतिपय गीतहरू डिस्कमा भरेका छन्। यी गीतहरूको सफलता देखेर त्यसताक दार्जीलिङका प्रमुख रेकर्ड बिक्रेताहरू के सी डे अनि दास स्टुडियोले क्रमैसँग 25 अक्टोबर 1980 र 4 दिसम्बर 1980 मा ग्रामोफोन कम्पनी, कलकत्ताका प्रबन्धकलाई अझ बड़ी गीतहरू रेकर्ड गर्ने अवसर प्रदान गर्नको निम्ति पठाएका निवेदनहरूको प्रतिलिपि देखाउँछिन् उनकी श्रीमती सावित्री बरदेवा।

नेपाली संगीत प्रतियोगितामा जीतन्द्र बरदेवाको शब्द र संगीत रचनामा छन्दा घोषले गाएको गीत कति लेखूँ पन्नामा जीवनको गीत-ले प्रथम पुरस्कार प्राप्त गरेको थियो। सोही गीत गीति एल्बम चैत बैशाख- मा वरिष्ठ गायिका रिमलाको स्वरमा समावेश गरिएको छ। जीतेन्द्र बरदेवाले गीतहरू सँगसँगै कतिवटा नाटक अनि नृत्यनाटिकाहरूमा पनि आफ्नो संगीत प्रदान गरेका छन्-जसमध्ये बालकृष्ण समद्वारा लिखित चिसो चूल्हो, रूपा नाटककार मोहन थापाद्वारा लिखित नाटक हिजो जस्तै बिहान मुख्य हुन्। चिसो चुल्हो-मा उनले आफ्नो गीत नारीले यो जातै पाई हालेका थिए। अरूको नाटकहरूमा संगीत प्रदान गरेता पनि उनको आफ्नै कथा कहिलेको बोली कहिलेको गाली जसलाई प्रतिष्ठित नाटककार मोहन थापालाई नाटकीकरण गर्ने अभिभारा सुम्पेका थिए तर कारणवश समयमा सो कार्य पूर्ण हुन नसक्दा आफ्नै नाटकमा संगीत दिने धोको अधुरै रह्यो जीतेन्द्रजीको। सोही कथा कहिलेको बोली कहिलेको गाली-लाई मोहन थापाज्यूले जीतेन्द्रजीको छैटौं पूण्यतिथिमा श्रद्धान्जली स्वरूप संस्मरण 30 जुलाई 2001 को सुनचरी समाचारपत्रमा प्रकाशित गराएका थिए।

जीतेन्द्र बरदेवाको लामो गीति यात्रामा उनले मानिसको जन्मदेखि मृत्युसम्मको हरेक पक्षलाई छोएर शब्द र संगीतले सजाएका छन् भने आफ्नो जन्मस्थान पहाड़की रानी दार्जीलिङको रमणीय प्राकृतिक दृश्यले प्रेरित भएर अनेकौं गीत रचेका छन् यसरी:

1. हिमालीको गोदभित्र सजिएको ठाउँ
हरियाली प्रकृतिले वास बसेको ठाउँ
दार्जीलिङ हो यसको नाउँ
बसन्तले हाँसे जस्तो हिमालीको मुस्कान
युग देवता बसे जस्तो महाकालको थान
भिक्टोरिया झर्ना झर्छ कति कथा लुकाई
यहाँ हेर वहाँ हेर प्रकृतिको यो उपहार
संसारलाई होड़ गर्छ सानो हाम्रो गाउँ
चाँप गुराँस सयपत्रीले भैलो खेल्ने ठाउँ
दार्जीलिङ हो यसको नाउँ………….

2. भुकभुक उजेलीमा पहाड़ हाँस्यो है
गौथलीको चिरीबिरी भाले बास्यो पहाड़भरी
ताराहरू डुब्दै गए चरीहरू नाँच्न थाले
जता हर्‍यो उतै राम्रो
माया लाग्दो पहाड़ हाम्रो, जता हेर्‍यो उतै राम्रो।

यसरी गीतद्वारा नै दार्जीलिङ पहाड़को पर्यटन स्थल अनि प्रकृतिको सुन्दर ढंगमा वर्णन गरेका छन् उक्त दुई गीतहरूमा। प्रकृतिको प्रंशसा गर्दा नथाक्ने जीतेन्द्रजी कोही बेला भंगालिएर शैशवकालतिर पुगी सोच्ने गर्थे:

अहिले त मेरो जोबन सानै छ सानै कोपिला
फक्रेपछि हे दैव लहलह होला कि ओइलेला।
म फुलेको दिन कतै बसन्तले नछोड़ोस्
शिशिरको शीतसँग होड़ मेरो न परोस
यति राम्रो जन्म पाएँ त्यसै जीवन नसड़ोस ।
अहिले त ………………………………….।

अघिल्लो जन्मको सुकर्मले हो वा धर्मले बल्ल बल्ल् प्राप्त गरेको यो मनुष्य चोलालाई कही बीचैमा गुमाउनुपर्छ कि भन्ने त्रास बोक्ने जीतेन्द्रजी कहिले काही जीवनमा आइपरेको दु:खले विचलित भई आफैसित भन्ने गर्थे-

किन जन्मिएछु म यहाँ आँसुभित्र डुब्नलाई
कुन दाताको भूल होला जन्म दिने यो मलाई

संसारमा जन्म लिएपछि सुख र दु:खको समान रुपले डटेर सामना गर्ने पर्ने सत्यलाई ग्रहण गर्देै आफ्नो मनलाई सम्झाउँदै गाउँछन्।-

हारसित आज शिर नझुका
कसैलाई आफन्त सम्झी अर्को नपोखा
आफू मात्र आफ्नो तेरो अर्को नदेखा
छोड़िदै है दोधारको बाटो, टुंगो खोज बरू

यसरी जीवनसित सम्झौता गरेपछि जीन्दगीका रमाइला पलहरूलाई चियाउँदै गाउने गर्छन्।-

के राम्रो जोबन हेरिीरहुँ भन्छ नी आँखाले
आँखैमा बिलाउने को हो तिम्रो रूप बनाउने

हृदयले नमाने पनि आफ्नै आँखाले जीवनसँगै साइनो गाँसेर रूपको प्रंशसा गरेपछि भन न हो पग्लिन कतिबेर लाग्छ र यसैसित हातेमालो गर्दै जवानीको गोरेटोमा यात्री बनी कल्पनाको सागरमा डुबुल्की मार्दै प्रणयको त्यो मीठो क्षणलाई यसरी व्यक्त गर्छन् गीतमा-

एक रात थियो भर्खरकै थियो
उसँगै मेरो प्रीत
म मुस्कुउँदथे उ लजाउँदथी
त्यो रात नै उजेलो थियो
म छेउ सर्दथे उ पर सर्दथी
त्यो भेट नै मौन थियो।
उक्त गीत उनको डळसपर्रीीींश गीत हो भन्नमा दुइमत नहोला।

यो प्रथम भेट अनि नै रोमाञ्चक थियो बिस्तार बिस्तार रात बित्दै थियो, दुई प्रेमी प्रेमिकाको मनभित्र भन्न पर्ने धेरै कुराहरू भएपनि बोली फुटदैन थियो केवल आँखाले मात्र केही भनीरहेझै भान हुँदा उनी फेरि भन्छन्-

बोली नफुटोस् बन्धन नटुटोस्
सदा मौन रहोस् प्रीति
ज्वाला नबनोस् मनभित्रै जलोस्
एउटा सानो दीप बनी………….।

प्रणयका यी गीतहरू सुन्दा श्रोतावर्गको आँखाअघि सजीव दृश्य नाँच्न थाल्छ साँच्चै त्यो मौन रात कति रोमाञ्चित थियो होला भने झैं लाग्छ। यसरी प्रेमका उदगारहरू आफ्नो गीतमा व्यक्त गरेका पाउँछौं।

दार्जीलिङलाई प्राणभन्दा बढ़ी माया गर्ने जीर्तेन्द्रजीले पहाड़ी भेकका संस्कृतिलाई पनि उतिकै माया गर्थे। हराउँदै मासिदै गइरहेको संस्कृतिभित्र पसेर कम्मर हल्लाउँदै डम्फुको तालमा नाच्दै गाएको गीतले हामी सबैलाई आफ्नो संस्कृति बचाउने आह्वान गर्दछ यसरी-

डम्फुको तालमा म नाँचे
कान्छीको कुममा कुम दाँजे
ए है बजाउ मुरली, ए है फुक मुरली…..
कम्मर मेरो लौ लच्क्यो
किन हो जोवन झन् मस्क्यो
ए है फुक मुरली, ए है बजाउ मुरली……..।
छैन है भन्नु पर्दैन हाम्रो आफ्नै संस्कृति
भीरण है माग्नु पर्दैन अरूको जस्तो होस् कृति
दाँज्नलाई पछि नहटौं, अर्काको कृति नरटौं
अर्को त अर्कै गनिन्छ
डम्फुको तालमा…………….

जीतेन्द्र बरदेवा जातित्व, अस्तित्व, पारम्परिक, सांस्कृतिक, रोमान्टिक गीतका मात्र स्रष्टा थिएननन्, उनमा राष्ट्रिय भावना पनि प्रचुर मात्रामा थियो जसको प्रमाण यो देशभक्ति गीतले दिँदछ –
‘हे भारतवासी हो आज जननीलाई लुट्न नदेऊ
यो भारत तिम्रो हो अब तिमी शिर नझुकाऊ
पवित्र छ यो धरती हाम्रो, कलङ्कदेखि बचाऊ
त्यागी प्राण शहीद बनेर भारत स्वर्ग बनाऊ
तिम्रो हाँसो छिन्न नदेऊ यो तिम्रै घर हो सजाऊ॥’
(सौजन्य देशभक्तिका गीतहरू दोस्रो खण्ड 1974)

सन् 1968 सालमा नेपाल नरेश श्री 5 महेन्द्रको जन्मोत्सवको उपलक्षमा लोक मनोरञ्जन शाखाको टोली सांस्कृतिक कार्यक्रम लिएर काठमाडौं गएको बेला नेपाल अनि दार्जीलिङका नेपालीहरूमाझ सांस्कृतिक पुल अझ सुदृढ़ बनाउन रचिएको थियो निम्न गीत। उनकै शब्द अनि संगीतको गीतको बोल थियो –

‘तरेर मेची आयौं है फूलपाती आज लिएर
मैत्रीको प्यारो कोशेली नजावोस् कहिले सुकेर
एउटा झण्डा फहराउँछ सूर्य चन्द्र बोकेर
उड़्छ है अर्को पताका सत्य र जय बोकेर।’

विभिन्न पत्र-पत्रिकामा उक्त गीतका गीतकार स्व. अगमसिंह गिरी भनी छापामा आएको कुरोलाई खण्डन गर्दै उनकी श्रीमती सावित्री बरदेवा गुनासो पोखाउँछिन् ः ‘‘घरको पूजा कोठामा बसेर रचना गरेको गीत हो यो, किनकि रचनाकालमा गाएर मलाई सुनाएको हालै जस्तो लाग्छ। तर कतिपय पत्र-पत्रिकामा गिरीको शब्द भनी छापामा आउँदा अत्यन्त दुःख लागेको छ।’’

जीतेन्द्र बरदेवाको सांगीतिक यात्राको उकाली-ओह्रालीमा हात थाम्दै हिँड़्ने निकटतम सहयात्रीहरूमध्ये मुख्य थिए – स्व. शरण प्रधान, अरूणा लामा, ठाकुरसिंह मोले, गोपाल योञ्जन, कर्म योञ्जन, नयन सुब्बा, गगन गुरुङ, अङ्मु ल्हमु, शेखर दिक्षित, इन्द्र थपलिया, दिलिप विश्व, कपिलराज सुब्बा, रञ्जीत गजमेर आदि। विशिष्ट साहित्यकार, कलाकार, स्व. मनबहादुर गुरुङ पनि धेरै वर्ष उनीसित एउटै कार्यालयमा कार्यरत छँदा जीतेन्द्र बरदेवालाई जान्ने बुझ्ने अनि जोख्ने अवसर पाएकाले 1995 सालको वैंशालु पत्रिका अंक 3 मा यसरी लेख्छन् – ‘शब्द, स्वरबद्ध र गायन क्षमता भएका नेपाली प्रतिभाशाली कलाकारहरूले आफ्नो गच्छे अनुसार नेपाली संगीत संसारमा कला दिइरहेकै छन्। जम्मैले आफूसँग रहेको धन बाँड़ेकै भए पनि स्व. जीतेन्द्र बरदेवाले नेपाली लोकगीत आधारित गीतहरूद्वारा एउटा अलग्गे गोरेटो बनाएर लगेका थिए भन्नमा दुई मत छैन।’

आफ्नो जीवनकालमा 100 भन्दा बढ़ी गीतहरूको कोशेली संगीतप्रेमीहरूलाई चढ़ाउँदा चढ़ाउँदै 6 जून 1995 सालमा अकस्मात लिभर र पेटको रोगले आक्रान्त भएर उपचारको निम्ति इडेन अस्पतालको विछ्यौनामा पाउँछौं, दिशा-पिशापबाट रगतको बढ़ी बहावले शरीरमा रगतको मात्रा कम हुनजान्छ। ‘बी नेगेटिभ’ दुर्लभ ग्रुपको रगत खोज्न उनका छोराछोरी साथै हामी कतिजना सहकर्मीहरू व्यस्त हुन्छौं। धेरै प्रयासपछि रक्तदाताहरूको रक्तदानले केही समयसम्म स्वस्थ बनाउन सक्षम बन्छन् परिवारका सदस्य लगायत साथीहरू। केही स्वस्थ देखिए तापनि बिछ्यौनामा लड़िरहेको शिथिल शरीरको आनतरिक हृदयले भनिरहेथ्यो ः

‘म हराइ जाँदैछु कतै
म बिलाइ जाँदैछु आफै
तिमी नरूनु है, बरू नभुल्नु है,
म हराइ जाँदैछु……….’
एउटा जाबो जीवन मूल्यहीन छ यहाँ
पातको शीत सरी सुक्न के बेर यहाँ
म पर्खी रहुँला कतै म अल्झीरहुँला कतै
मलाई नभुल्नु है जन्म जन्म सधैँ
म हराइ जाँदैछु कतै…………..
एक महान सन्त झैँ आफू विलिन हुँदै गइरहेको आभास पहिलेबाटै भइसकेका महान कलाकार सबैदेखि गइरहेथे धेरै टाड़ा अनि भनिरहेथे –
‘मेरो आशले मेरो भागले
पर अझ पर छोड़िरहेछ मलाई’

त्यसबेला कसैले बुझ्नु सकेन उनको अन्तर्मनको बेदनापूर्ण बिलौनालाई, केवल फर्काल्याउन सकिन्छ कि भन्ने प्रयास अनि झिनो आशा लिएर हेरिरहे सबैका नजरले। एक महिनाको रोगसित पौंठेजोरी खेल्ने संघर्षमा पराजित भई 2 जुलाई 1995 को बिहान भुकभुक उजेली मै भौतिक संसारलाई त्यागी कुनै सममान, कुनै पुरस्कारको अधिकारी बन्न नपाई अर्को संसारको यात्रातर्फ लागे जीतेन्द्र बरदेवा। त्यस दिन उनको निर्जीव शरीरको सामु उपस्थित परिवारका सदस्य, शुभचिन्तक, सहकर्मी, इष्ट-मित्र सबै त्यस दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण क्षणको सहभागी बन्ने अनि उनैद्वारा रचिएको गीतका यथार्थपूर्ण शब्दहरू सम्झन सिवाय अरूरू कुनै विकल्प थिएन।

लेखक भावी मेटल को
आफ्नो आफ्नो लहन हो
बुझ है जीवन यस्तै हो
दुइदिने जीवन कथा हो।
बाँचुञ्जेलको माया यो
हाँसो र आँसु झुठो हो
धन सम्पति कसको हो
मरेर लाने के पो हो
बुझ है जीवन खोको हो
गाँस है माया नै चिनो हो।
लेखल भावी………….
हिँड़डुल गर्ने मान्छे यो
केहीदिन पछि कहाँ हुने हो
पहेंलो पात झरेझैँ
जीवन ओइली झर्ने हो
सम्झ है जीवन झुठै हो
संसारमा मान्छे त पाहुना हो।
लेखक भावी………….

*स्व. जीतेन्द्र बरदेवाको देहावसानपछि उनका छोरा-छोरीहरूले ‘जीतेन्द्र बरदेवाका गीति संग्रह’ नामक पुस्तक साथै उनका रेकर्ड नगरिएका गीतहरूको संगालो ‘श्रद्धाञ्जली’ सम्झनास्वरूप सी.डी. को रूपमा निकालेर पाठक अनि श्रोतासमक्ष सुम्पिसकेका छन्

लेखक – मेनुका प्रधान, दार्जीलिङ

The post गायक स्व. जीतेन्द्र बरदेवाको 25औं पूण्यतिथिमा सश्रद्धा भावपूर्ण श्रद्धाञ्जली अर्पण appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

Prayas started playing the violin as part for the school choir and local programs. Very early in life, he already knew he wanted a career in music. Luck smiled on him as he got an opportunity to audition for the Symphony Orchestra Of India in Mumbai.

As things would have it, Prayas today part of the only professional orchestra from India having joined NCPA Mumbai in Symphony Orchestra Of India since 2017 – first as a contractual employee to now a permanent member of the orchestra.

He has so far collaborated and played music with the table maestro Zakir Hussain, AR Rahman, Sonu Nigam, Salim Sulaiman and Shreya Ghoshal. He has also performed with Neha Kakkar and Badshah in MTV unplugged.

TheDC: Tell us something about your parents?

Prayas: My father Mr Rudra Mani Biswakarma also widely known as “Maharaj” is one of the well-known musicians in Kalimpong. He plays a lot of instruments and arranges songs but his main instrument is the violin. He is currently working as a music teacher in Dr Graham’s Homes, Kalimpong. My mother Mrs. Laxmi Ghimiray used to be a music teacher too. She plays the violin and used to teach the same at home and in different places. Both of my parents are musically talented and I guess that’s where I owe my skills too. They still do many musical shows in and around West Bengal together and have been parts of many musical groups like Unison Band.

TheDC: Please tell us about your childhood days and school days and about Rev Fr Magur who founded Gandhi Ashram

Prayas: I studied in Gandhi Ashram Kalimpong and then joined Dr Graham’s Homes in class 6. During my school days I used to go for many musical concerts under Fr.Mc.Guire. When I was in class 8, I had auditioned for Indian National Youth Orchestra and after being selected I went for Bangalore and Delhi tour with the INYO.

Mostly my school days and childhood days were accompanied by a lot of musical shows and concerts. I also got a chance to perform with an international orchestra in Germany, Italy and Switzerland. Hailing from a small town like Kalimpong and being a music enthusiast these were one of the best childhood and school days memory that I have.

I was very small when I met Rev Fr Maguir and when I was 6 years of age he passed away. So I have very faint memories about him. However, Rev Fr Magur was just not the founder of Gandhi Ashram but he was and is the provider of opportunities for uneducated and poor children – their beacon of light. Yes, his dedication and selfless nature did inspire me. He has always inspired me to help those children who really love music and need help and guidance.

TheDC: Who inspired to take up violin?

Prayas: When I think about inspiration, I feel that both my parents are the guides and my inspiration. When I was 3 years old, my mother asked my father to teach me the violin. Ever since I have been under their constant watch and I learnt every basic thing about playing an instrument from them.

So my source knowledge and inspiration has been my parents first and then, later on, I found my inspiration from many violinists like Christian Ferras.

TheDC: Before moving to Mumbai, you won many awards in childhood. Tell us something about them.

Prayas: When I was 9 years old, I got first position in Hills Solo Instrumental Music Completion which was a competition held for musicians from Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kuresong and Sikkim.

Another important and prestigious award was Lions Global Youth Music Competition held in Hyderabad which was an all India Music Competition and I received the winner’s award.

At 12 years of age, I won the Fiama Di Wills Music Award which was a music competition held in Kolkata. In 2010, I won the Telegraph School Awards for outstanding talent and received a gold medal from Barry O’ Brien in Kolkata. This award is indeed the most precious award to me.

TheDC: How did you reach Mumbai? Tell us something about NCPA. and Symphony Orchestra Of India.

Prayas: After completing my high school I went to perform with Indian National Youth Orchestra, NCPA, Mumbai. While rehearsing with the orchestra, my sister Mrs.Kushmita Biswakarma who was working at the Symphony Orchestra Of India informed me about a vacancy for a musician in the SOI.

I decided to audition for the Orchestra and then luckily I got an opportunity to audition in front of the Director of SOI, Mr Marat Bisengaliev. As soon as I finished my audition I was asked to join the SOI. I did not have to wait for all the selection processes and the next thing I know is I joined the orchestra. This is how I landed in the city of dreams- Mumbai.

National Centre For Performing Arts is a hub for all sorts of arts ranging from music to dance. Symphony Orchestra Of India is a heart of NCPA and the first and only professional orchestra in India.

The musicians in SOI are from different countries and it is definitely the biggest platform for western classical musicians in India who are really interested in pursuing their musical career in Western Classical music.

TheDC: Let us know about your musical journey in Mumbai.

Prayas: With SOI, I got an opportunity to perform with the legend Zakhir Hussain in the United Kingdom. This was my first musical tour with the SOI abroad. We also toured all over India hosting musical concerts and the very recent one was the Bangalore and Mysore tour to mark the 150th birth anniversary of one of the famous Raja of Mysore.

I have also played with many international artists of Western Music like Augustine Dumay, Maria Joao Pires, the famous Indian youngest pianist Lydian Nadhaswaran, Karl Jenkins a famous music director, and also Indian singers including Shankar Mahadevan and Hari Haran.

Apart from working in the SOI, I also work in Bollywood. I have worked with many well-known singers and music directors like AR Rahman, Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal, Salim Suleman, Adnan Sami and many more.

My first Bollywood exposure was back in 2017 when I worked with Neha Kakar, Badshah and Jubin Nautiyan for the well-known show MTV Unplugged. The journey as a musician in Mumbai has definitely been adventurous and beautiful.

TheDC: You are now a professional violinist in India’s one and only professional orchestra, tell us about your hardships you passed to reach this stage.

Prayas: The struggles and challenges that I faced were the lessons that built me not just as a musician, but also as a person. When I went to Mumbai at the age of 18, I was just a school graduate trying to pursue my dreams as a musician.

The first struggle was to be on my own in the new city without my parents and family. However, my sister helped me coping with the entire new lifestyle and the environment. At SOI, I used to be the youngest musician and the rest were so much older and skilled than me. To come up to the expectations of the orchestra was a tough battle. Everyday practices and dedication is the first tactic to come up to their level. The knowledge that I had about Western Classical Music was nothing compared to my fellow colleagues so there was a competition among ourselves and I had to really pull up my socks and work for it.

TheDC: Your advice to those who are pursuing music as a career.

Prayas: Well, the only thing I learnt and would like to share is that hard work and determination are the wings that you need to give to your dreams. The mantra of a successful musician is practice and only practice. The more you practice the more polished your skills become. So dedicate yourself and believe in yourself and your dreams. After that, you will find yourself living your dreams. It does not matter where you are, keep practising, keep dedicating yourself, and always showcase your talents, never hide them.

TheDC: Tell us something about your future plan.

Prayas: I want to become a music director and give back to the music industry that has helped me and shaped me. I want to open a music school for the students in our hills and provide them with the knowledge and the skills that I have gained so far. Apart from this, it is all in the hands of the Almighty.

The post Prayas Biswakarma: Gifted Violinist From Kalimpong appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

The Rock & Roll and Hard Rock scene set by amazing bands such as The Hillians, Extreme Moderation, Turquoise and Jade, The Diamonds, Prism, Forbidden Fruit, Magnum Opus, Pralay was later followed by bands like Rusty Nails, the US Band (where US is short for Unity of Souls) among others, makes Darjeeling the leading light of Rock music in India. Following on the footsteps of these greats, is an up and coming band from our hills “The Invasion”.

When Chhogel Sherpa Holunga first sent us their single BLACK FLAG our Music editor couldn’t get around to listening to it right away, but once he did, he was hooked and he has been playing it all day long. “Highly Invasive” is what our music editor describes this amazingly well written, well composed, well-edited and mixed number, with guitar riffs that will compete with the best in India and the world.

The Invasion

Guitar: Swarnim Rai
Guitar and Vocals: Sangey Wangdi Bhutia
Bass: Aaron Gaurav Gazmer
Drums: Chhogel Sherpa Holunga
Mixing: Anuj Pradhan (Sacred heart workstation)

We sat down for a short chat with them.

TheDC: Who are “The Invasion”, what brought you guys together?

TI: We are a recently formed The Invasion, but we have known to each other from very long time. The music taste of all the members which is Rock /Hard Rock is what brought us together

TheDC: Have you guys performed anywhere?

TI: We haven’t performed anywhere as a Band right now, but all the members of our band have performed in various platforms like IITs, IIMs, Pub

TheDC: So what’s cooking right now?

TI: Right now we are focusing on band’s first EP (extended play) and later on we want to go for contests like Hornbill, Shirock Music Contests, and all other rock contest in India and as well as outside and lastly we want to do gigs all across the world.

Also our second song Streets is likely to be released next month for which Mixing/Mastering is done by Anuj Pradhan at Sacred Heart Audio Workstation.

TheDC: Tell us about your song Black Flag? Why is the flag black?

TI: It’s a song of taking a stand against a corrupt and dishonest system and people in power. It is a song for the youth to speak out against tyranny, nepotism, corruption and domination. The flag is BLACK because it’s the flag of protest.

Indeed it is, and we are thrilled to be the 1^st platform to publish the Interview of The Invasion, which we are sure will go a long way in rewriting rock history in our hills and the nation.

BLACK FLAG LYRICS

Rise up we got a battle to win

Against a system full of sins

Tyrant rulers all the way

Stealing your rights everyday

Are we just some livestock

They treat us like worthless mules

They are filled upto the brim

By stealing from their kin

Raise the black flag

united we stand against this tyrant system

we will prevail

Your sacrifices go in vain

You’re fighting a war without a name

Innocent’s blood in your hands

will torment you beyond the grave.

So cmon my brothers

remember the fallen ones

we will fight until the end

till our dying breathe

Raise the black flag

united we stand

against the tyrant system

we will prevail

We wish “The Invasion” good luck in their quest and we look forward to publishing their second number too.

The post PORTRAIT OF A BAND: The Invasion appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

Gunjan “Gigga” Lama though is different, he wants to talk about our place and our people, and tell our stories through his songs.

Here’s his story

Name: Gunjan Tamang 
Ama: Rita Tamang
 Appa: Passang Tamang 
 School(s): St. Robert’s and RKSP Darjeeling
 College: Govt College, Darjeeling 

TheDC: Since when have you been interested in music?

Gigga: I started singing when I was very young.

TheDC: How did you get into Rapping?

Gigga: when I was in class 6 at St Robert’s my friend started banging desk and I was like rhyming words out using funny rhyme that is how I got into rapping.

I recorded my First song named RHYME TIME in 2014 at Matrics studio I used to upload my songs on Reverbnation and after that I joined YouTube in 2018. I been writing lyrics for past 6 years, I have uploaded more than 25 videos in the past one and half year. I have more than 10 songs on Youtube.

TheDC: What was the reaction from your family? do they support your musical endeavours?

Gigga: My family they were supportive for me not only in school but in music and other co curricular activities.

TheDC: What do you think of the overall rap scene in Darjeeling?

Gigga: Well I think its evolving fast. Also I think, we are all having an impact – for instance, there were many rappers before me but they were not able to carry it forward and they stopped making records and scene was very basic, But I have been putting videos related to my music and other hip-hop activities weekly for the past 1 and half years and slowly people started knowing Darjeeling rappers as I had introduced more than 10 rappers from Darjeeling on my CYPHER TOWN episodes, and I still remember I used to hit 10 views on single day now my music video WELCOME TO DARJEELING just hit 22k   In a single day .

I still remember I used to have 82 subscribers on my Youtube channel, but now I am the only rapper from Darjeeling who has 15k + subscribers

Rap scene in Darjeeling is going higher and higher day by day. Now a days there are so many rappers emerging in Darjeeling – making good songs and good music videos .

TheDC: What are/were the challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?

Gigga: Now we have opened our production house HILLHOP TV  (HOME STUDIO)… There were many challenges that I can’t even begin to explain…

We used to have no money for recording, and there were no producer of hip-hop beats, no promotion channel, no sponsor, no record label. It was very difficult for us, because recording was expensive and there were only a few people who encouraged me to do more, but I wanted to compose more songs, and then I started to record my own songs on my laptop and then slowly I bought one microphone and gradually I made a home studio.

Though I faced so many problems, I haven’t taken it as an excuse to escape from my music, no matter what happened elsewhere, I kept on writing my songs and composing music for them.

TheDC: Among musicians – Who do you like the most and why?

Gigga: Among Mepali musicians I like Narayan Gopal because his Lyrics are just like river – they flow so smooth, and I also like modern musician such as Sajjan, Sabin Rai, Neetish, Albrotross etc

Among Nepali rappers I like to listining to Yama Buddha, Manas Ghale and MC Flo

Among the western artists, I like blues, BB King is my all time favourite and I love to listen to hip-hop music rappers like NAS Tupck, KRS, Ice Cube, Eminem, Snoop Dogg and many more old School rappers. O like old School hip-hop because it had meaning melody and several rhyme schemes.

TheDC: Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

Gigga: After 5 years I see myself as a successful person who is happy and satisfied with what he is doing.

TheDC: Any suggestions for youngsters who may want to follow on your footsteps.

Gigga: I want to give only one suggestion to all our young stars of Darjeeling – do what you are interested in, don’t copy others, just be yourself, don’t waste time on unwanted things, start using your time it is more valuable than money

TheDC: Any last words..

Gigga: Thank you so much for spreading my music… I hope people will like my music as long as I keep making it

The post Portrait of an Artist: Gunjan “Gigga” Lama –Rapper appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

Many of these songs have been ground breaking and influential all over the world. Songs that have been written as a protest, or for human rights, songs that promote brotherhood of man and the fight for injustice. Songs that had the power to shake the world and will some continue to do so.

Here are some songs that most of us can relate to:

Old Man River — Paul Robeson (1936)

Ol’ Man River, a 1927 song from the musical ‘Show Boat’, was composed by Jerome Kern and lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II. It is notable for several aspects: the lyrical pentatonic-scale melody, the subjects of toil and social class, metaphor to the Mississippi, and as a bass solo. It talks about the hardships of the African Americans that contrasts with the uncaring relentless flow of the Mississippi River.

Many musicians and musical groups have covered the song since the 1920s, but the version by Paul Robeson has become a pop standard. The numerous versions include ones by Frank Sinatra, Harry James, Sam Cooke, Sammy Davis, Jr., Al Jolson, Cilla Black, Django Reinhardt, Ray Charles, The Beach Boys and Aretha Franklin.

Though considered slightly racist in its original form, the words have been altered to suit the times prevalent during the performance.

The reason I have mentioned it here is because of the Indian connection — Dr. Bhupen Hazarika. Known as the ‘Bard of India’, Dr. Hazarika (or Bhupen da as he is lovingly called) has recently been awarded with Bharat Ratna in 2019.

In 1949, he was in New York on a scholarship for a PhD program. Here he befriended Paul Robeson, who also happened to be a prominent civil rights activist. It was Paul who influenced him in his song Bistirno Parore based on the theme of Robeson’s Ol’ Man River.

Though the original song was in Assamese, Bhupen da later translated & sang it in Bengali and Hindi as well. The Hindi version was used in the Movie Gangajaal (2003).

In 2017, this song was translated in Nepali by the students of Jadavpur as a protest to showcase the hardship, struggle and suffering faced by the Gorkhas in Darjeeling.

We Shall Overcome — Pete Seeger (1948)

Originally a gospel, this song became associated with the Civil Rights Movement after being introduced by Guy Carawan in 1959. It became the movement’s unofficial anthem as it was performed at rallies, folk festivals and concerts by the likes of Peter Seeger and Joan Baez.

The song is most commonly attributed as being lyrically descended from “I’ll Overcome Some Day”, a hymn by Rev.Charles Albert Tindley that was first published in 1900. The modern version was published in 1947 under the title “We Will Overcome” in an edition of the People’s Songs Bulletin.

Since its rise to prominence the song (and it’s different versions in different languages) have been used in a variety of protests worldwide, a song to express unity in a good cause. In 1963 Joan Baez led a crowd of 300,000 protestors at the Lincoln Memorial with this song and in 1968 Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. quoted the lyrics in his last sermon before he was assassinated.

Story behind Hum Honge Kaamyab

In India, the renowned poet Girija Kumar Mathur composed its literal translation in Hindi “Hum Honge Kaamyab (हम होगें कामयाब एक दिन’)” which became a popular patriotic/spiritual song during the 1970s & 80s, particularly in schools and strikes by Trade Unions.

Blowin’ in the Wind — Bob Dylan (1963)

At just 21 years of age, the folksinger-songwriter released his second album, The Freewheelin’ that featured the classic ‘Blowin’ in the Wind’. It came out a year before the passage of the Civil Rights Act. His voice signalled the coming of a new generation, one ready to confront the injustices of the time and unwilling to settle for war or indifference.

This classic has been translated into at least a dozen languages, featured in countless movies and played live over 1,200 times by Dylan alone.

His other song ‘The times they are a changin’ was recorded in 1964 for the album of the same name and reflects Dylan’s own worldview as a folk activist fighting for justice for the people of the world.

In October 2017, the world sat up and acknowledged his contribution to the society as Bob Dylan became the first songwriter to win the prestigious Nobel Prize for literature. He received the prize “for having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition”, the award citation said.

Imagine — John Lennon (1971)

Lennon’s most well-known song about peace & brotherhood is considered one of the greatest song ever written. He famously said that the track is “anti-religious, anti-nationalistic, anti-conventional, anti-capitalistic…but because it’s sugar-coated, it is accepted.”

This classic continues to inspire a vision for a better world for people around the globe.

You may say I’m a dreamer — these must be the most famous lines ever written and copied.

Get Up, Stand Up — Bob Marley (1973)

After witnessing harsh lives of Haitians in the seventies, Bob Marley was inspired to write this song with fellow Wailers member Peter Tosh. Originally recorded by the Wailers, Marley’s re-recorded solo version is the one that has stood the test of time and is one of his most enduring numbers.

Who would have thought that this reggae hit would go on to endure as an international human rights anthem?

Do They Know It’s Christmas — Band Aid (1984)

The Irish rock musician Bob Geldof of the Boomtown co-wrote this song with Midge Ure of the band Ultravox, in aid of Ethiopia. Geldof recruited more than 30 British pop stars (including members of U2, Culture Club, and Duran Duran) to participate in the making of this song. It took a month for the song to be recorded & released just in time for Christmas. In just a month, the song (credited to “Band Aid”) raised over $3 million. ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ depicts the stark contrast between the ‘first world’ and the ‘third world’. It also inspired the ‘We are the World’ song by USA for Africa.

We Are the World — USA for Africa (1985)

Inspired by the harmonious path blazed by Band Aid’s “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” Harry Belafonte thought of organizing an All American charity concert for Ethiopia. However his manager, Ken Kragen, believed a charity record would generate more money. Kragen enlisted Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson to write the song. Quincy Jones (who was instrumental in bringing the project to life), Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, Tina Turner, and 40 other stars participated in the recording session. Columbia Records distributed the record for free. Recorded by the super group United Support of Africa (USA), it was released on March 7th 1985, and became the #1 song in the United States and England within two weeks. It ultimately sold over 10 million copies and raised $50 million for famine relief.

Following the devastation caused by the magnitude 7.0 M earthquake in Haiti on January 12, 2010, a remake of the song by another all-star cast of singers was recorded on February 1, 2010. It was named ‘We are the World 25 for Haiti’.

Heal the World — Michael Jackson (1992)

In a 2001 Internet chat with fans, Jackson said that “Heal the World” is the song he was most proud to have created. The video eschewed his own superstar visage for footage of orphans in war-torn Burundi. He eventually created “heal the World’ charitable organization, through which he strove to put the lyrics’ altruistic message into practice. Founded in the wake of the song’s release in 1992 with the aim ‘to improve the conditions for children throughout the world,’ the Heal the World Foundation drew millions from Jackson’s Dangerous tour proceeds and Super Bowl XXVII half time show performance fees — plus smaller donations from fans.

Pink Floyd — Another Brick In The Wall (Part 2) (1979)

The three parts of “Another Brick in the Wall” appear on Pink Floyd’s 1979 album The Wall, a rock opera that explores abandonment and isolation, symbolised by a wall. Bassist Roger Waters wrote Part 2 as a protest against rigid schooling, particularly boarding schools. Another Brick in the Wall” appears in the Wall film.

I Want to Break Free — Queen (1984)

“I Want to Break Free” was a song about emancipation, breaking out of the box society tends to hold people in. Queen further highlighted that point with a music video that featured band members dressed in women’s clothes. The song has been used by many as an anthem against oppression and will continue to be for years to come.

What’s Up — 4 Non Blondes (1992)

In 1992, the American rock group 4 Non Blondes released a song ‘What’s Up?’. It went on to be a chart topper and has since become a queer anthem since all its members were Lesbians.

The song appeared on their first album Bigger, Better, Faster, More! And even though most people refer to the song as ‘What’s Going On?” the band deliberately titled it ‘What’s Up?’ to avoid being confused with Marvin Gaye’s 1971 song ‘What’s Going On.’

Seven Seconds away — Youssou N’Dour & Neneh Cherry (1994)

Youssou N’Dour collaborated with Neneh Cherry and her husbandCameron McVey to write this chartbuster that was performed at Human Rights concerts with support from Peter Gabriel.

This is an anti-rascist song that refers to the first moments of a child’s life.

‘7 Seconds’ is about the first positive 7 seconds in the life of a child just born not knowing about the problems and violence in our world…..That tune grew on its own, completely out of proportion. It was out there doing its own thing. But that is a dream when you write a song.”– Neneh Cherry’
Three different languages were used in this song: English, French and Wolof, which is a language spoken in Senegal, Gambia, and Mauritania

Though the list is too long but here are some songs that have been influential.

• For What It’s Worth” — Buffalo Springfield
• Revolution” — The Beatles
• Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, ‘Ohio’
• U2’s Sunday Bloody Sunday (1983)
• Give Peace a Chance” by Plastic Ono Band 1969
• Strange Fruit (1939) — Billie Holiday
• A Change is Gonna Come (1963) — Sam Cooke
• War (1970) — Edwin Starr

I hope that we shall keep hearing music that speaks for the masses in the future too.

Writes: Roshni Pradhan

The post Greatest Songs of our Times appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

We sat for a short interview with him.

TheDC: First of all, tell us about yourself.

Benoy: I was Born and brought up in Darjeeling. I did my schooling from St. Joseph’s School and later completed my graduation from St. Joseph’s College. By the time I finished college, I had already played in most of the local bands, starting with The Blue Blood, Mountain Wind, U.S. Band, Magnum Opus and Rusty Nails. Then I moved to Mumbai. Mumbai was a great experience. There I met a whole bunch of new great musicians. I did studio sessions and discovered the producing and song writing side of me. There I realised that people focused more on original material. I got a chance to work with great producers and played with different bands there. I also recorded a smooth jazz album with Gavin Hamburger from Australia and then my second album one was with my band Groove Suppa. I eventually got tired of the city life and moved to Goa for few years. Now, I just finished recording my solo album “Can’t Lose The Blues” which got released a few days back.

TheDC: What inspired you to pursue music?

Benoy: When I was growing up, I heard great music all around me – at home or in my neighbourhood. Every house had a guitar. There were lots of bands in town. I think those days music and football was our way of life. That was the Darjeeling culture. And all the great music videos we got to watch in the local video parlours… Even in the Capital movie hall, I remember watching Abba the movie and many more… Man! I could go on and on… There was so much music all around those days.

TheDC: Did your school, and by extension, the town play any role in your rendezvous with music?

Benoy: Of course it did. I started playing guitar when I was in school. We had bands then. I remember the first concert I got to watch in our school Fraser hall. The band was ‘Stills’, the band of Mr. Patric Wilsons and his college mates. I remember Tony Da (Banks) was also in that band and these guys were belting out all the Beatles songs. Man! I remember one point when I was in tears… And I think it was Sapna Di. Yes!! that was my initiation. These guys did it for me. And obviously there were the U.S. band guys And Mangnum Opus guys. They were our heroes. There were also the Forbidden Fruit Gang. Those Dajus also inspired us a lot those days. I learnt classical guitars under Jeevan Pradhan Sir for sometime – another genius.

TheDC: Were your parents supportive about you pursuing music?

Benoy: Yes!! They were very supportive and they still are.

TheDC: What difficulties did you face pursuing music ?

Benoy: Hmm. There have been difficult times and difficulties that we faced, But I guess we all face difficulties in anything we do. The fun of playing music and making music has been so much that even the difficulties that I faced have been a blessing I say. They’ve only made me stronger and more focused.

TheDC: Who is/was/has been your biggest inspiration?

Benoy: Talking about my biggest inspiration, immediately the name Roy Venketaraman comes in my head. When I moved to Mumbai I met Pervez Quadir, son of my class teacher in school, Miss Quadir. He literally introduced me to the scene there. He took me to the studios and introduced me to everyone. We played and even wrote some songs together for sometime. Through him I heard this name Roy who was playing with the Waillers those days. And finally one day I got to catch him live in ‘Jazz by the Bay” with Mr. Louis Banks. And man!! I was totally blown by his playing. It was bliss. that much soulfulness in the playing. I can never forget that night. Nobody had touched me so much. Then I got to hang with him for many years. So, ya he’s been my greatest inspiration. Most down to the earth person. And from him the biggest thing I learnt was to be true to the music. In his words, “when u play Say Something“. So ya! he has been a brother and my biggest inspiration.

TheDC: Belonging to a small town, was it difficult for you to pursue music?

Benoy: After living in a beautiful small town like Darjeeling, with all the great vibe those days , where everyone knows everyone, it gets difficult to live in a big city and pursue your dream. For that, you should listen to the song “Back Home Blues” in my new album.

TheDC: Tell us something about your new album.

Benoy: My new album titled “Cant Lose The Blues” just got released few days back. It has got seven tracks in it. Some songs I wrote while I was still in college and some are freshly written ones. The lyrics of one of the songs “All Out Again” has got contribution from my friend Puran Mukhia (U.S. Band). The song which is very dear to me, “Shine On” is for all my friends and our Darjeeling Town guys who, I think, we lost early in life. There are many guys I used to play with who are not here with us today and somewhere I feel their contribution in all songs I write and play. Drums and some bass guitar was recorded in Yashraj Studios Mumbai by Shantanu Hudlikar and the other parts in Ashok Honda Studio. All my friends who’ve heard the album so far have liked the drums sound as it sounds nice and big – just the way I wanted. All because it was mixed and mastered by the great Billy Decker from Nashville USA. Since its out, now I’m looking forward to playing it live.

TheDC: Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years down the line?

Benoy: In the next five years, I really don’t know where I’ll be…Right now I’m just focused in the present.

TheDC: What would your message be to the youngsters who want to follow your footsteps?

Benoy: My message to the youngsters would be to “Just follow your heart” and not be afraid to get out of your comfort zone.

We wish Benoy good luck with his new album, and are sharing the links to the songs of Benoy Rai’s newly released album. We hope you all like the songs and enjoy the same.

• Google Play
• iTunes
• Amazon Music

The post Portrait of an Artist: Benoy Rai appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

Here is his short bio

Son of Mrs. Aruna and Mr. Laden Tshering Lepcha, Yawan was born and brought up in Kalimpong. He is an alumnus of Vrindavan School and completed his ISC from Rockvale Academy. He is currently completing his undergraduate degree from Kalimpong college.

His Debut EP – Dream Sequence

After years of struggle in my musical journey I finally came up with my debut EP “Dream Sequence”. Before this, I used to play with the bands like “Aagyat” “Ground Zero” “Tribal Rain” “Corpulent Deformity”etc. Apart from all this, I started my own side project which was based on instrumental and progressive in genre. In the year of 2015, I released my first instrumental track title Marantha followed by Through the Galilee, Makes Me Happy, Dear Brother, Advent of the Messiah, Faith is Patience With Mystery.

Now I am finally out with my EP.

Dream Sequence contents 4 tracks,

1. Dream Sequence
2. 348 Hours
3. Fragment
4. Flora

All these tracks are an endeavour of love. I have done all the production.

His Interest in Music

I started playing guitar at the age of 10. Used to listen bands like Alice in Chains, Foo Fighters, Eric Johnson, Incubus, Sound Garden etc.

His Training in Music

I am a self taught musician.

His Struggles

Lack of platform. Not only me, we have so many talented youngsters who don’t get the opportunity to hone their skills and showcase their talent.

His Family Support

Yes, my family is the first one to support me and did everything to make me happy .

His Challenges

Whenever I used to face any challenges my family was the first to encourage me and my friends too as well . This is how I used to tackle every difficult situation. Being a musician, challenges are everywhere, but its up to an individual how we face and how we deal with those.

Performances

I’ve done many gigs in a different places like Road To Rampage (Manipur-Impal), Wacken Open Air (Bangalore), The Pinetree Festival (Kurseong) Rock-O-Phonix (Guwahati) etc.

We wish Yawan good luck with his new EP and hope that we will get to feature more of his music in the coming days.

Follow him

On Facebook: www.facebook.com/yoonelepcha

On Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/yawan_lepcha

On Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCM2kO47TUZDVwK5C6X3bDNQ

Series of 4 stellar instrumental tracks – Track #1 “Dream Sequence” featuring guest solo by Gaurav Lama: http://www.facebook.com/gaurav.lama.71

Cover art by PEPPERBOX83: www.instagram.com/pepperbox83

The post Portrait of an Artist: Yawan Lepcha appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.