India is a country where every state has its own identity. Somewhere the language changes, somewhere the style of dress changes. But if we talk about Assam, then its biggest identity is music. The music of Assam directly touches the hearts of the people. This music has the sweetness of folklore, the depth of tradition and also a glimpse of modernity.
When we take the title of the specialists who gave acknowledgment to the music of Assam, the first thing that comes to mind is Zubeen Garg and Papon. These two artists are celebrated not as it were in Assam but all over India. The soul of Assam resides in their songs. That is why today the music of Assam is connecting people even beyond the borders.
Assam and Its Deep Tradition of Music
The music of Assam is not just limited to singing, it is part of the everyday life of the people. Here songs are sung at every festival, on every special occasion. Be it a wedding, harvest or a religious event, music is present everywhere.
Bihu songs, like the folk songs of Assam, highlight the culture here. The tunes sung on the Bihu celebration reflect the difficult work, joy and eagerness of the ranchers. When the sound of drums and pepa (an instrument made from the horn of a buffalo or bull) reverberates, the entirety of the air turns into moving and singing.
Similarly, Baggeet is also an important part of Assam. These songs are associated with the Vaishnava tradition located on the island of Majuli. They are considered a symbol of devotion and spirituality. In these hymns the glory of Lord Vishnu and Krishna is sung.
The folk music of Assam is also special. Instruments like dhol, gogona and toka make the music lively. On hearing the sound of these instruments the mind becomes cheerful.
You may also read this :- From Ojapali to Zikir: The Folk Music Legacy of Assam
Zubeen Garg: 'Rockstar 'of Assam
Every Assamese smiles with pride on hearing the name of Zubeen Garg. He was born in 1972 in Tezpur, Assam. He was inclined towards music from childhood. There was also an atmosphere of music in his family, which inspired him.
He struggled a lot in the initial days. It was not easy to go out of Assam and sing in Hindi and other languages. But Zubeen's hard work and passion kept him going. He not only made a name for himself in Assamese songs but also made a mark in Bollywood.
His song "Ya Ali" (from the film Gangster) is still on people's lips. The song became so popular that Zubeen got recognition all over the country. But the people of Assam love him more for his Assamese songs. His songs have the fragrance of the soil of Assam.
He is not only an actor but also a director, producer and composer. He made the youth of Assam believe that if you are talented, no obstacle can stop you. That is why people call him the "Rockstar" of Assam.
Papon: The Wizard of Modern Tunes
If Zubeen Garg introduced Assam to traditional and Bollywood songs, Papon created a new magic in modern music. Papon's real name is Angaraag Mahanta. He was born in a musical family. His parents were famous singers of Assam. Because of this, Papon got music education from childhood.
Papon's voice is exceptionally sweet and alleviating. His melodies have an interesting mix of society and cutting edge music. He has sung melodies in Assamese, Hindi, Bengali and numerous other languages.
His tunes "Mohit Rang De" (from the film "Vicky Benefactor") and "Bulleya" (from the film "Sultan") got to be amazingly well known. The emotions in his songs directly touch the heart.
Papon also presented the traditional songs of Assam in a modern style. This led to a new interest in folk music among the youth. He also brought laurels to Assam in live concerts and music festivals.
Assam’s Music Gets National Recognition
Zubeen Garg and Papon together gave a modern character to the music of Assam. Whereas prior Assamese melodies were constrained as it were to the nearby individuals, presently they are sung and listened to all over the country.
- Zubeen brought the melodies of Assam to Bollywood with his capable voice.
- Papon connected the youth with folk music with modern tunes and new experiments.
- Both of them kept the Assamese culture alive through their songs.
Because of them, today people in every corner of the country listen to the songs of Assam. It is not just the expansion of music, but also the promotion of culture.
Inspiration for the New Generation
Zubeen and Papon are not just artists but inspirations. He proved that if you work hard and diligently, you can make a name in the world even by coming from a small city or state.
Many youths of Assam now dream of making a career in music. They know that like Zubin and Papon, they too can make a mark with their skills. That is why the music of Assam is constantly moving forward.
Conclusion
The music of Assam carries with it both tradition and modernity. Zubeen Garg and Papon are the biggest examples. One gave strength to the music with his powerful voice, while the other soothed the hearts with his melodious tunes.
Today, when we talk about the music of Assam, both these names are taken with pride. These are not just singers, but the voice of the soul of Assam. The next generations will see them too. You will remember and be inspired by them.
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