Music down the years has inspired leaders to raise their voices against establishments. A new breed of musicians continues to write lyrics that shake the conscience of masses, writes Karan Bhardwaj
In our country, there’s a song for each moment of life. We express ourselves through music. So, when it comes to anger and protest, we are no different. Since the age of ancient rulers, Indians have used music as an effective weapon in winning the wars. In a famous historical incident, Prithviraj Chauhan was handed a bow and arrow, and poet Chandravardai sang a verse which told him of the elevation and distance to Mohammad Ghori’s throne. And thus, guided solely by sound, Prithviraj shot his arrow through Ghori. However, down the ages, music continue the influence the fighters and protesters. It can be for freedom or raising communities’ issues or against political affairs.
A new voice
Young musicians, playing rock, reggae and new genres of music, compose tracks with topical lyrics to keep social and political issues in the spotlight. They raise their voice against racism, corruption, political and social issues. Skavengers band creates protest music on corruption, religious riots and extra judicial killings, peppered with reference to local leaders. They even held a concert in Tihar Jail last year. Taru Dalmia from the band said that their music bring to light the neglected issues. “A lot of things that are happening in country may not appear on news channels or newspapers and remain hidden. They may not present the true picture of the society. For me, music is a way to bring all those issues on light.”
India’s North-East has also many bands raising their concerns. Tripura-based 26-year-old Borkung Hrangkhawl is the latest sensation in the virtual world. His latest single The Journey has over one and a half million hits on YouTube. His music is best known for its social views, which are expressed in many of his songs based on life, struggles against discrimination and other social issues. “I am now writing my next, Free, which comments on commercialism. It talks about its advantages and disadvantages and how commercial aspirations are hampering our lives,” said the rapper.
Spring songs
From the anti-corruption movements led by Anna Hazare and Baba Ramdev to the protests across India against Delhi’s gangrape last year, music played an instrumental role in bringing people together. While Ramdev was often heard belting out patriotic songs on stage during his fast against black money, social activist Anna Hazare got a special song, gifted by Bollywood singer-composer Kailash Kher. He created a special track Desh Tere Saath Hain Anna Hazare. “I came to know about Anna Hazare through media. I was touched by his honest attempts to eradicate corruption. I thought I should also contribute to his mission and therefore wrote lyrics with utmost sincerity. After a few months, the social activist informed me that he has urged schools to play the song in morning assembly,” he told us.
Social impact
Kher believes music has power to bring social change. “It can stir emotions. What plain words cannot do, songs and lyrics can. It can uproot the establishment,” he added. The singer also composed a special composition on global warming. Parvaton Ki Teesri Hai Aankh Khul Gayee, Baadlon Ki Toli Bhi Ab Unse Mil Gayee, Andhere Kahin Jamm Naa Jaye, Ujaale Baant lo…. It is a song which shows how mountains are melting and responding to human’s attempts against Nature,” he said. During India’s Independence movement, many fighters including Bhagat Singh wrote and sang patriotic songs. Bollywood’s popular tracks like Sarfaroshi Ki Tamanna, Mera Rang De Basanti Chola…. continue to mesmerise Indians.
Virtual support
The best part is that you don’t need a channel or a big music company to back your kind of music today. There are many online platforms that ensure instant popularity, courtesy YouTube and others. “I was shocked to see the response. My previous single The Roots, which was aired last year on YouTube, got fabulous response. Ever since it went viral online, I was called to perform at many events in Delhi and other cities. Gone are the days when you have to depend on music channels to air songs. It’s free, instant and has global reach. A lot of international viewers have commented on my videos,” said Hrangkhawl.
Flip story
Such music and its creators don’t necessarily have fanfare. For example Pakistan-based laal band. They face a lot of criticism and receive hate messages and mails from the music enthusiasts from the country.
laal’s compositions talk about terrorism, military power and political turmoil.
They are even banned on many music channels. Said Taimur Rehman, “Our music is meant to provoke. It has to make people think. So when we receive brickbats, I think our job is done effectively. We ignore things and spread the messages.”