The Score Magazine November 2018 issue! | Page 34

GAJENDRA PURI GOSWAMI The Sound Of Dissent: Contemporary Protest Music In India T he world today is dissected into various factions by partisan schism. Political opportunism masquerading under the mask of traditions and religion is crushing every attempt of dissent with brute force. In times of extreme polarisation such as these music has historically been the medium of a protest around the globe. This branch of music that is intended for the purpose of vociferation is broadly categorised as protest music. Accomplished musicians like Neil Young and Bob Dylan have used their songs for pejoratively expressing their opinion on America’s menacing war against Vietnam. Sex Pistol’s punk-rock anthem - God Save The Queen was an iconic exemplar of protest music in England. In recent years artists like Kendrick Lamar and J.Cole have used their songs to address racial, sexual, and political divide in America. During the years of left mobilisation in the country protest music was efficaciously used by a left parties for active mass mobilisation and highlighting the class divide in the Indian society. But, with its collapse these songs gradually ebbed away from the collective consciousness of people. Today, the tradition of protest music in India is still being kept alive by individual artistes like TM Krishna. In 2014, Krishna inspired criticism from fans and spearheads of Carnatic music for experimenting with the traditional format of classical concert- Kutcherri Paddhati. Through op-eds and public spaces he has often voiced his opinion against the dominance of caste-hierarchy and lack of social inclusiveness in Carnatic music. But in India, looking for the slightest hint of protest or political critique in popular music can be an exercise in frustration. Even though our society is plagued by political bigotry and divisions of class, caste, economics and politics far more than the west, a study in the work of homegrown musicians only reflect that they are untouched by these issues. Even musicians who are affiliated to political parties eschew from commenting on political matters or even subtly alluding to them in their music. But, what else can one expect in a country where even the most innocuous form of art, be it music, movie or literature, can cause mass hysteria and violence. Another torchbearer of contemporary protest music in India is Daniel Langthasa from Haflong, Assam. Langthasa’s alt-rock/rap songs are inspired by the widespread ethnic bigotry, racism, and militant insurgency in North-East India. Other protest musicians in the country include Dalit- Marxist leader Sambhaji Bhagat who is trying to transform protest music from a medium of on-site activism into a digital phenomena through his YouTube channel, The War Beat. He is joined in his efforts by Ambedkarite artists from Maharashtra’s Kabir Kala Manch. Equating Sambhaji’s efforts is comedy-music collective Aisi Taisi Democracy. Led by Indian Ocean’s lead singer Rahul Ram the group provides an active critique of the government’s failing public policies in their music online as well as in live performances. But, Indian music hasn’t always been so politically disoriented. Music was a powerful medium of political expression in the royal courts of Maharajas and Mughals in India. In the pre-independence era, it became an arson for cultural expression and effective tool for evoking nationalisation fervour in the country. The Indian People Theatre Association, formed in 1943, used popular music effectively to vitalise the masses and populist ideology. As protest music in the country evolves, another breed of young musicians who are inspired by American hip-hop are joining the likes of Rahul Ram in voicing dissent through their music. By painting a vivid image of their milieu in their lyrics these rappers are slowly leading the tradition of protest music in the country. Their popularity is the testament of not just to the evolution of protest music in India but also its fusion with popular music. 32 The Score Magazine highonscore.com