“In 2010, I released my first album. I was into solo project. I invited lots of musicians to play for one of my concert. There were around 70 artists coming and playing. These guys were all in different bands, they helped me in the concert. It was like everyone was playing in different bands but we felt that was the calling, we thought that was what we were looking for, we stick from there. The paper wrote Alobo Naga and the band, our band name is derived from the quote.” Alobo Naga the lead singer. Turning point The band got an opportunity to write a song for an international short film festival in Guwahati. The band manager got their deal in 2010.  A song titled ‘Painted Dreams’ was submitted and the band got an offer to make a video. That was how the popular video music Painted Dream was made. “We were like just another band from North East. From there people started appreciating our music video and it was featured in International channel VH 1. Next moment we show ourselves in International Top 10. There were bands like lady gaga and all those stuffs.  We were looking and we felt like wow. At first we were in top 8, next week it clinched to top 4. Then the song was nominated for the European music award. There were five bands from India.  There was a voting thing happening and we won the vote. The winner from India was nominated for the world music there we could not win. Winning in India was a great thing for us” – Alobo Naga Alobo Naga and the Band have clinched the Best Indian Act MTV Europe Music Award in 2012 and it has inspired the bands in the North East so far. Concerts The band has performed in Hyderabad, Calcutta, Delhi and many other places in India. Aboard they have performed in Singapore, Indonesia etc. Band bond “We are all guys in the family and our family gave us time to follow our dreams when we are on tour. We are all from different family background, the common point is we are good friends, best of friend; we have a very good chemistry, so that is very important in the band.  Even if you are really talented, many bands break up. The Chemistry the ego whatever it is like differences. All of us have differences but at the end of the day we know how to compromise.  The friendship is bigger than the music that’s why it works and the songs are. See we are very fortunate like everyone is talented. If one of our band member brings us a song. Everyone do our own part. He plays the guitar, he plays the bass, the drummer will beat and I start composing the melody,” say the band members. Alobo Naga and the band focus on social cause issues. All our songs are something to do with hope, faith, love. Painted dreams are about telling someone if you believe you can achieve your dreams. All you need to do is just pray and work hard. We keep it simple and go straight to the message” says the young and sweet smiling Alobo Naga. My father bought me a guitar. I am Fung Walling and I play bass guitar. I have been in lots of band. ‘Blended for him’ was my last band. During my college days, we were quite popular, those days we were in gospel band.  I was really into music from a very small age. My dad bought me a guitar when I was eight and that is how I started playing. My dad and mom they love music. That was very encouraging. My father supported me my mom was nagging and wants a government job. My music career was because of my dad. I take music as a career I can say that now. Message to youth –  “have fun because life is short, have fun but in a good way” Akhum Jams – lead Guitarists “We support vocal as well, every member in the band sings. I learn to play guitar from my mother when in tender age. She loves singing. She was my inspiration. 14 years old. I have been in Churches playing music for 3 years. I was playing in metal band call Melodrama. Actually won the MTV campus rock idol. And I happen to join the Alobo Naga and the Band. We are here and we are doing what we love to do because of our parents, their encouragement and support. There are days to come, years to come for a music lover like us”. Source: yendanewsagency.in

In India's northeast, an extraordinary musical tradition is thriving, one that interweaves the threads of cultural heritage, spiritual devotion, and the enduring human spirit into a captivating canvas of sound. The northeastern region, known for its diverse ethnic communities and rich cultural heritage, has also become a unique hotspot for Christian music, adding a contemporary layer to the vibrant music scene. Christian music has a significant influence, both in the form of hymns sung in local languages during church services, as well as in contemporary Christian music, which includes genres such as Christian rock. The presence of Christian music in this region is largely due to the substantial Christian population in states such as Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya, and Manipur. One example of a Christian rock band from Northeast India is "Magdalene" from Aizawl, Mizoram. Formed in 2005, this band has released multiple albums and has been recognised as one of the premier bands in the northeast. Their music, inspired by Christian themes, showcases the impact of Christianity on the music of the region. Meghalaya too has become a cradle for this musical fusion. Christian hymns meld seamlessly with traditional Khasi folk music, drawing from the deep well of spirituality and cultural pride. This synergy has given rise to a genre that is as uniquely soulful as the land itself. Christianity arrived on these shores in the 19th century, brought by Welsh Presbyterian missionaries. What they found was people with an innate love for music, dance, and storytelling. The local culture was already imbued with a rich, oral tradition of folklore and music, which quickly absorbed and adapted the Christian themes introduced by the missionaries. This blending of cultures gave birth to a distinctive Christian music scene that continues to reverberate through the hills and valleys of Meghalaya. This shared sentiment is echoed in the works of renowned artists like Lou Majaw, often dubbed as the "Bob Dylan of the East." Majaw, a Khasi musician, is known for his adaptation of Christian themes into blues and rock music. His annual concert "Bob Dylan's birthday tribute" in Shillong is a testament to the seamless integration of Western music and Christian themes into Northeast India's cultural fabric. But perhaps the most poignant illustration of this convergence is in the songs that rise from the humble churches scattered across the hills. In these sacred spaces, the local language dances with Biblical themes, and the result is a soul-stirring symphony that speaks to both the divine and the terrestrial. The beauty of Northeast India's Christian music scene is not merely in the melodies that fill the air but in the unity it fosters. It is a melody of coexistence, a symphony of faith and culture, a song of the hills that resonates with the pulse of the land and its people. As we journey through this captivating landscape, the music of the northeast serves as a reminder that music, in its purest form, is a universal language. It brings people together, transcending barriers of language, culture, and faith. In the end, it's not just about the song, but the story it tells and the emotions it evokes. From the humming choirs in the valleys to the echoing strums on the hilltops, the Christian music scene in Northeast India is a testament to the power of music as a means of expression, connection, and devotion. It's a melodious journey of faith, a song of the hills, a symphony of the soul, that continues to inspire and unite, one note at a time. It's a story of how, in the heart of Northeast India, faith and culture come together in harmony, creating a melody that transcends the confines of time and space. In the end, the true beauty of the Christian music scene in Northeast India is not just in its unique sound, but in the way, it fosters a sense of shared identity and unity among its people. It's a celebration of their faith, their heritage, and their love for their land - a testament to the enduring power of music to connect us all.

In the enchanting land of Srinagar, nestled amidst the scenic beauty of Shah-E-Hamdan Colony in Zakura, resides a musical prodigy named Raja Bilal. With a diverse range of talents and accomplishments in the realm of music, he has dedicated his life to preserving and promoting Kashmiri folk music. His journey has been marked by remarkable achievements, collaboration with renowned artists, and a deep-rooted passion for his craft. In this feature story, we delve into the life and musical odyssey of Raja Bilal, a true maestro of his art. A Serendipitous Encounter: Reflecting upon the pivotal moments that shaped his musical career, Raja Bilal recalls a fortuitous encounter with Syed Muhammad Ashraf Qadri, a resident of Dal Gate. It was through Qadri that Bilal had the privilege of meeting the legendary Kashmiri folk singer, Ustad Gulam Ahmad Sofi. The Mahfil Sama gatherings with these influential figures became Bilal's gateway to the soul-stirring world of Kashmiri folk music and Sufi poetry. The Journey of a Passionate Musician: Equipped with an unyielding passion for his craft, Raja Bilal embarked on a musical journey that spans two decades. Having completed One Year Diplomas in Vocal Music and Keyboard from the prestigious Bangya Music College, Bilal honed his skills and carved a niche for himself in the realm of music production and sound mastering mixing. His specialization in Chakri, a vibrant genre of Kashmiri folk music, further distinguishes him as an artist Recognition and Accolades: Raja Bilal's exceptional talent and unwavering dedication have earned him well-deserved recognition in the music industry. Graded as an Approved Grade "A" Singer in All India Radio Srinagar and Approved Grade "II" Music Composer, Bilal's contributions have left an indelible mark. As a Music Director, his creations have garnered critical acclaim, including awards at prestigious film festivals such as the Canada Film Festival, Kolkata Film Festival, and Delhi Film Festival. Melodies that Transcend Boundaries: Bilal's repertoire as a music director and composer includes an impressive array of projects that showcase his versatility and artistic finesse. His compositions can be heard in notable films such as "Aakh Daleel Lolich," the first Kashmiri digital film, "Gul," and "Kashmir Daily," among others. Additionally, he has collaborated with the Institute of Eastern Music and Literature, USA, and Sargam on the soul-stirring Ghazal album, "Bah-e-Tarang." A Harmonious Blend of Tradition and Innovation: The uniqueness of Raja Bilal's musical creations lies in his ability to blend traditional Kashmiri folk elements with contemporary styles and genres. His music albums, including "Awargi," "Gah," and "Daftar Afsar," have captivated audiences with their evocative melodies and soulful compositions. Furthermore, his contributions as a playback singer have added depth and emotion to films and dramas, solidifying his position as a multifaceted artist. A Global Reach: Amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Raja Bilal found solace and inspiration within the confines of his home. During this time, he created a song that resonated with audiences worldwide. "YELI AASI ZINDAGANI BEYE AES KARO MULAQAT" emerged as a powerful testament to Bilal's ability to touch hearts and uplift spirits through his music, transcending geographical boundaries. A Historic Collaboration: In 2021,Raja Bilal achieved a milestone in his career by collaborating with renowned Bollywood singer Dr. Jaspinder Narula. Their duet marked a historic moment, as it was the first time a Kashmiri singer and a Bollywood singer joined forces to create a soul-stirring melody. The experience showcased Bilal's exceptional talent as a composer and producer, cementing his status as a bridge between traditional Kashmiri folk music and the wider world of Indian music. The Legacy Continues: Raja Bilal's musical journey is far from over. His dedication to preserving and promoting Kashmiri folk music, combined with his exceptional talent and versatile skills, ensures that his legacy will endure for generations to come. As he continues to compose, produce, and collaborate with artists from different backgrounds, Bilal remains committed to enriching the world with the enchanting melodies of Kashmir. In the words of Raja Bilal himself, "Music has the power to transcend boundaries, touch souls, and create harmony. I am humbled and honored to be a part of this timeless art form, and I will strive to keep the rich traditions of Kashmiri folk music alive while embracing new horizons of creativity." 

On May 10, miscreants launched a violent attack on the building of Radio Pakistan in Peshawar, causing significant damage and depriving millions of listeners of the cherished Pashto and Urdu songs of renowned musicians and singers. The attack also resulted in the destruction of handwritten drama scripts authored by famous playwrights. Habibun Nabi, Programme Manager of Radio Pakistan Peshawar, expressed his dismay over the incident, stating that the original and rare handwritten drama scripts in Pashto and Urdu, created by esteemed writers such as Hamza Khan Shinwari, Dr Muhammad Azam, Younas Qayasi, Arbab Abdul Wakeel, Hamayun Huma, Sahir Afridi, Begium AR Daud, Zaitoon Bannu, and Syed Rasool Rasa, were destroyed by the rioters. Additionally, hundreds of rare dramas, along with catalogs and books on various topics, were set on fire, leaving piles of ashes scattered throughout the building. The attack also resulted in the destruction of approximately 2,000 historic and literary books, including those by renowned Sufi poet Rehman Baba and freedom fighter Khushal Khan Khattak. Moreover, the rare pictures of broadcasters Abdul Jan Magmoom, Aftab Ahmed, and Qari Muhammad, who played significant roles in announcing Pakistan's Independence Day at midnight on August 13-14, 1947, were lost forever. In addition to the loss of drama scripts and literary works, the mob also burnt the performance pictures of renowned artists such as Ghazal maestros Ahmad Khan, Mashooq Sultan, Rafique Shinwari, Khayal Muhammad, and Fazl Rabi, as well as prominent drama writers including Hamza Khan Shinwari, Ajmal Khattak, Khatar Gaznavi, Samandar Khan Samandar, Qalandar Mohmand, Mumtaz Ali Shah, Shahzad Khan Johar, and Abdullah Jan Magmom, also known as Marchakay. Radio Pakistan has a rich history, starting its transmission from a room at the civil secretariat in Peshawar in 1935. It was later moved to the old Radio Pakistan building on Khyber Road in 1942 and eventually to the current building, inaugurated by former President General Zia ul Haq in 1985. Tufail Muhammad, programme manager at Radio Pakistan, lamented the loss of historic performance pictures of great Pashto singers Ahmad Khan, Mashooq Sultan, Rafique Shinwari, Khayal Muhammad, and Fazl Rabi, emphasising the attackers' disregard for culture and humanity. He also mentioned that rare feature documentaries, religious books, and national songs, which were converted from conventional tapes to digital formats, suffered severe damage. Prominent Ghazal maestro Khyal Muhammad, who has been associated with Radio Pakistan for several decades, described the attack as an assault on national heritage, culture, dramas, and music. He commended the officers and employees of Radio Pakistan Peshawar for swiftly resuming transmissions within hours after the attack, demonstrating their hard work, dedication, and professional commitment. The attack on Radio Pakistan and the APP Office was seen as an attempt to silence the media and deprive people of vital information. Journalist Amin Mashall, associated with both a private TV channel and Radio Pakistan Peshawar since 2012, condemned the ransacking and burning of vehicles belonging to Radio Pakistan and APP employees. He emphasised that the assault aimed to intimidate journalists and hinder them from performing their professional duties.

Singer Gracyl Ropmay released the music album of Guwahati artiste Esha Das ‘I Can Fly’ on Saturday at Shillong Press Club here. Shot in Meghalaya, the music video was composed and sung by Esha who also wrote the lyrics. While releasing the album, Ropmay congratulated Esha to excel in the field of music further. The 4K video takes viewers on a  journey through the scenic landscapes of Meghalaya. Her father and producer Kishor Kumar Das assembled a talented team to bring Esha’s vision to life. Esha is a high school student from South Point School in Guwahati, whose passion for music is inspiring. She began composing and singing at the age of 9 and has since then dedicated herself to her craft. Esha said the song was composed when she was depressed and this has helped to uplift her mind. She hoped that this will  encourage the listeners to believe in themselves and their ability to overcome any obstacle. Her father said as a proud native of North East, Esha is committed to promoting North East tourism, which includes Meghalaya besides showcasing the rich socio-cultural heritage of the region by her music video. She has been promoting Meghalaya in almost all her videos both regional and English. Her music videos celebrate the beauty of Meghalaya’s natural landscapes, he said. In addition to “I Can Fly,” Esha had also released the popular video album “Never Let You Go,” which received airplay on London FM. Esha also has a Youtube channel “Esha Music” where all her music videos can be watched. Source: meghalayamonitor.com

While the youth of Kashmir Valley are making their mark in acting and film making, they are also doing admirable work in singing. In Irfan Bilal's Sangeet Academy, children of different ages are getting training in singing and music. In the academy, these children are well trained in the fundamentals of singing as well as playing various musical instruments, Kashmiri folk songs, ghazals and classical music. Apart from this, children are also introduced to modern style of music. Many students come not only from Srinagar but also from other districts to get training in the academy. Some of them want to make a name for themselves in singing. Bilal and Irfan say that more than 120 children are currently learning music in our academy. There are a good number of girls as well as boys. Like Sur and Taal, Irfan and Bilal have been running this academy together since 2013. Although they faced many difficulties in the beginning. However, with courage they have been training young people who have made their mark in the field of Sangeet. They want to make dreams come true. These masters of Sangeet also have the honour of having introduced the Vesaran style in the traditional Kashmiri folk, due to which their songs became extremely popular. People liked not only their music but also their singing. Irfan and Bilal say that for a few years now, the youth here are inclined towards learning music along with other fields, not only as an amateur but often now as a profession. In Sharat Kashmiri singers Irfan Nabi and Bilal Ahmed's Kashmiri songs 'Zamane Pokh Na Hum Dum Toti Kya Go, Tamas Gayi Zalf Brahm, Toti Kya Go' became quite popular. After that the singer duo came to be known as Irfan Bilal and today it seems that it is not two but one person. Irfan and Bilal are among the famous artists of Kashmir Valley. They have won a lot of respect from fans by performing their art not only in the country but also in foreign countries. Nowadays, they are working on some new Kashmiri songs which will be released very soon. People will get to listen. Bilal teaches vocal to children while Irfan does the work of teaching Rabab, Guitar, Tabla and Santoor and with this juggling act his academy is progressing successfully. The young people who are being trained officially pay the monthly fee. But in Irfan Bilal's academy, many poor children are also receiving training in music and singing who cannot pay the monthly fee. In this case, they are given free training in Geet Sangeet at the academy. Irfan and Bilal say that our focus is to acquaint the students with traditional and folk Geet Sangeet because if the budding artistes have a better understanding of their traditional music, they will Going forward we can preserve our Kashmiri Folk Sangeet better and cultivating Kashmiri Folk Sangeet is the need of the hour.

As the Assamese New Year arrives, the vibrant town of Sepon in the trisection of Dibrugarh, Charaideo and Sivasagar districts of eastern Assam, celebrates 30 years of centrally celebrating the Rongali Bihu. This year Sepon Kendriyo Rongali Bihu Sonmilon is celebrating its 30th anniversary, setting the stage for one of the most coveted cultural events in Northeast India. From its humble beginnings in 1993, a group of passionate Bihu lovers founded this festival to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Assam. Over the years, the festival has grown into an unforgettable experience for both locals and visitors alike. Sepon, situated at the intersection of Dibrugarh, Sivasagar, and Charaideo districts, transforms into a cultural hotspot during the Rongali Bihu festival. The Sepon College Playground comes alive with various cultural activities, folklore exhibitions, creative competitions, and musical concerts. The festival is also known for its hospitality, serving traditional food and offering a platform for veteran artists, writers, and intellectuals to gather and discuss pressing issues. This year, the Sepon Kendriyo Rongali Bihu Sonmilon is gearing up to celebrate the annual Rongali Bihu festival under the theme of ‘save nature’. The festival organizers have chosen to focus on the theme of ‘save nature’ as a way to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote sustainability practices along with highlighting the rich cultural heritage of Assam, including its music, dance, food, and customs. The Bihu Sonmilon committee has announced plans to organize a range of activities that align with the theme of saving nature, including tree-planting drives, awareness campaigns about waste management and recycling, and discussions on climate change and its impact on Assam’s ecology. One of the highlights of the festival is the publication of books on diverse topics, such as environmental protection measures and tree planting. Through these publications and social development programs, the festival aims to increase creativity, talent, and a sense of responsibility in future generations. The musical stage is where Sepon Bihu truly shines, featuring legendary singers as well as modern-day heartthrobs. Sepon, a small commercial town in eastern Assam, boasts a unique heritage that traces back to the glorious 600-year-old Ahom dynasty. The name ‘Sepon’ signifies the town’s emotional solidarity, transcending barriers of caste, creed, and culture. The Sepon Kendriyo Rongali Bihu Sonmilon has played a significant role in promoting and preserving the rich cultural heritage of Assam. Its impact is undeniable, reflected in the festival’s continued growth and success. The 30th anniversary of the festival is a testament to the Sepon Kendriyo Rongali Bihu Sonmilon’s unwavering spirit and dedication to promoting Assamese culture and traditions. As the festival comes to a close, the people of Sepon look forward to continuing this cherished tradition for generations to come. Source: thenewsmill.com

As the climate worsens and the world looks to find more sustainable ways of life, a musician here is leading the way towards a more eco-friendly future by using bamboo to manufacture a wide array of musical instruments. Composer-percussionist Subhasis Sabyasachi has turned to the fast-growing bamboo to manufacture musical instruments, including xylophone, tabla, pakhawaj, sitar, veena and guitar -- all traditionally made using woods like teak, rosewood, red cedar, mahogany, and poplar, among others. "If we continue cutting trees for any reason, we won't have any future for our children. The entire world is looking for ways to become plastic free. That is why I want to eliminate the use of wood in musical instruments and replace it with bamboo," Sabyasachi told PTI. It was Sabyasachi's guru and tabla maestro Brajen Biswas who first came up with 'Brojo Tarang', a bamboo xylophone. "After guru ji's demise I am taking this forward, our orchestra plays with all bamboo instruments, my mission is to convey a message about the climate, so that bamboo is used as a substitute," the Delhi-based musician said. He added that since bamboo is among the fastest-growing plants in the world and is widely used for climate change mitigation, it is ecological to use it for manufacturing musical instruments. It is generally the flute that is made using bamboo, but Sabyasachi's musical kitty packs dholak, pakhawaj, tabla, kanjira, guitar, sitar and veena among other instruments. "Every bamboo forest hides the instruments for a whole orchestra," he adds. But doesn't using bamboo instead of traditional wood affect the sound quality? Other than offering a simple 'no' in response to the question, Sabyasachi adds other benefits of using bamboo to the list. "Unlike other woods, bamboo is a hollow timber. You have to carve and cut through other material to create a hollow, which is naturally available with bamboo. And when it comes to sound, bamboo has a better resonance quality, creating better sound," the 41-year-old said, adding that the instruments made using bamboo are also comparatively lightweight. That said, though a cheaper alternative to expensive species of wood, creating an instrument out of bamboo cuts little from the overall costs. "Crafting bamboo instruments is a painstaking exercise as you have to use multiple pieces and different types of it to create a single part of an instrument. You also have to be extra careful that there is no leakage of sound," he said, explaining why the cost of the final product is more or less the same. Sabyasachi and his musical band, 'Tarang', recently held an exhibition of the bamboo instruments at the India International Centre here.

Some of the songs sung by Saif Shuvo have been well received by the audience and the singer wants to set up a music academy where he can offer learning music for free. In a conversation with Rtv news, he expressed his desires, future plans, current activities and others. Rtv news: What are you currently busy with? Saif Shuvo: COVID-19 has severely disrupted our normal life. Usually I spend time recording songs, studio works, stage shows and concerts. Now I am at home and taking part in various live music programs through social media and the studio work for my upcoming songs. Recently I joined the live program from a popular musical facebook page in Kolkata. I am from Bangladesh and Mou Chatterjee from India are spending time like this way. Rtv news: Which of your songs have gained huge popularity? Saif Shuvo: Recently released song "Nashta Manush" which came from the banner of Studio Joya, “Din Raat” from my 1st solo album, “Hridayer Bahasa” which came from the most popular banner of Bangladesh "Laser Vision" in 2016, get a lot of good listeners. Besides, the song titled “Ami Valo Nei” from the banner of Studio Jaya, released on the valentine day, 14th February 2020 has gained huge popularity. Rtv news: Will any new song be released in future? Saif Shuvo: Yes, new songs are being created. Two new songs are being created on the occasion of the new year 2021. As soon as the recordings are over, the music videos of the songs will be released. I hope the songs will be released on the 1st day of new year 2021. Rtv news: What else you do apart from the music? Saif Shuvo: I am a man of song, I live by the song. Music and only music is my life. Rtv news: Are you involved in music since childhood? Saif Shuvo: Actually, I became fond of music from the early stage of my childhood. In the year 1998, when I was a student of class two, I was living at my village home in Jamalpur district. Load shedding was normal then. Whenever there was load shedding, I used to sit in the backyard and sang the song “Amar Sara Deho Kheyogo Mati” which was sung by the legendary singer of Bangladesh. That was the ground of my learning to music. Rtv news: What are your future plans for music? Saif Shuvo: I think it's not just me, those involved in Bangla music, have plans and desires to establish pure Bangla music all over the world. I also want pure Bangla music to be established all over the world. I am working towards that goal, I will continue to work in that way as long as I live, InshaAllah. AH

Renowned music director and composer Alauddin Ali passed away. He breathed his last at 5:50 pm on Sunday. Managing Director of capital’s Universal Medical College and Hospital Dr. Ashis Kumar Chakrawarty confirmed the information to Rtv news. He said, he passed away at 5:50 pm today. He was under treatment at the ICU. About his burial he said, the family members of Alauddin Ali have not decided the matter yet. It will be informed later. Mentionable, Alauddin Ali was admitted at the hospital at around 4:45 am on Saturday. He was taken under life support for his breathing problems. AH