ANTARA BOSE
Jamshedpur, Nov 16: 52 tribal musicians and artists from Jharkhand, Odisha, Assam, Tripura and other states, with Tata Steel Foundation’s support, showcased contemporary compositions as a part of Rhythms of the Earth, the first ever indigenous musical album showcased at Samvaad-the ongoing tribal conclave at Gopal Maidan, Bistupur on Wednesday.
All the participating artists and musicians had to undergo a rigorous workshop to learn compositions and the ability to create new songs for a larger global audience imbibed with the spirit of showmanship.
As a part of the project under Tata Steel Foundation and supported by Bangalore-based band Swarathma, the artists learnt to evolve as composers. The album comprises of 12 indigenous songs in Santhali, Khorta, Bhumij, Ho, Oraon, Rabha, Karbi, Tripura, and Koya to name some.
The participating tribal artists have not only composed but have also written new lyrics in their own language moving ahead from their already existing compositions that have been passed from generation to generation.
Post the showcase at Samvaad 2022, Tata Steel Foundation aims to promote it across various levels of the platform.
“There are three primary things involved- preservation of the dying music, nurturing it and promotion for a larger audience. This initiative is to add the special and unique element for the wide musical market that exists,” said the head of urban services, Tata Steel and Tribal Cultural Society, Jiten Topno.
Tribal music is known to be traditional, often performed at harvest festivals, weddings or on childbirth within the limited audience in their respective villages. However, with changing times, several tribal musicians across the country are being empowered to perform at stage shows and recordings as contemporary artists.
