Storytelling Through Music

Music is so much more than mere entertainment. Music tells stories about lost lovers, fond memories, differences, and injustice, words we could have said but have not said. Music narrates the tales of the times we live in. Through music, stories from some corners of the world have reached the ears of people living in other corners, and music can also be an effective medium for documenting present events for future generations.

Militarisation, conflict, and violence are not alien to the northeastern region of India. We have lived with it for years. Whenever I try to describe my home in Imphal, Manipur, to my friends from other parts of the country, I use songs to tell the stories. Explaining stories through songs is much easier, for although songs use only a few words, they are sufficient for someone to understand what is happening. Imphal Talkies and the Howlers, a Manipur-based folk-rock band, is well known for its songs describing the socio-political nature of the state through satirical lyrics and musical story-telling. Another band is Eastern Dark, well known for their satirical songs about government incompetence, societal norms, and the divisions between the communities in the state. Tapta is also a popular musician in the state, known for his socio- political songs. Eastern Dark and Tapta, sing only in their native language, Meiteilon[1], but Imphal Talkies and the Howlers sing in both English and Meiteilon, and so are also known in other parts of India.

Bands like Eastern Dark, Tapta, and Imphal Talkies are mainstream in the sense that they have been the subject of research in academia. However, they are not the only bands that give voice to the thoughts and stories of people who are otherwise silenced. There are bands like the Fringes and The Dirty Strikes whose names reflect the socio-political scenario of the region. Meewakching is another band from Manipur whose music speaks of the scenarios faced by people living in the state. Their album ‘The Land’ released in August 2023 reflects the conflict and unrest that have afflicted Manipur since May 2023. The music and lyrics express the frustrations, agony, and resentment of ordinary people and the cruel fate of innocent civilians subjected to the violence incited by warmongers and other powerful actors.

Music is a medium that cuts across communities, and over the years, musicians have sung and continue to sing about conditions that have affected the present day, of situations that could have been made better with our actions, and of measures to banish the forces that divide people on the basis of ethnicity and other differences. Thus, music can be a united voice against forces that attempt to divide people and communities.

Music has also been used in other beneficial ways. For example, a multi-media campaign using music has helped disseminate awareness of the need to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS in Northeast India. The northeastern region of India has the highest number of HIV/AIDS-affected people in the country, so the issue is a matter of considerable concern. Spreading awareness through music is a wise measure, especially targeting the young population, as popular culture, including music, is likely to positively influence young people.

The blend of folk elements with rock music can encourage both the older and younger generations to listen to the same music. In addition, incorporating folk stories into lyrics can be an excellent way to document and preserve native tales. This could fill the gaps in the stories, culture, and traditions that the younger generation has missed out on because of modernisation, and the influence of other cultures not native to the land. It could also be an effective way to keep the folk stories alive and pass down the tradition of storytelling, which is diminishing in the present day.

The constant stress of living in a conflict-ridden region and the boredom that comes with it because of the frequent shutdowns that confine people within their houses and neighbourhoods can be another reason to take up music to pour out frustrations and counteract boredom. Music can be a productive way to kill time. Through music, we tell the world stories about what it is like to have a home on a battleground and constantly be under the threat of losing our lives. Music can express our desire to live with dignity in a less chaotic manner, without threat to our survival or freedom, and send out a call for a peaceful existence. As Imphal Talkies sings, ‘We don’t need your guns and bombs; we just need songs of love.’ This sends a strong message to the world that people in conflict zones have had enough of the guns and bombs taking the lives of their near and dear ones, and that it is time to send them the love they had been missing out on so that they can live undisturbed and untroubled lives.

[1]Meiteilon is a language spoken by the Meitei people.

REFERENCES

– https://soniasarkar26.wordpress.com/tag/rock-bands-of-manipur/