Malavika will perform a mix of beautiful covers and original songs the hindu Music and Food Festival-2024 | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Festivals, almost by definition, should be egalitarian and collaborative. Music festivals especially, because art is the great leveller. In a cultural environment, it doesn’t really take much effort to break down barriers of class and caste. ‘The Hindu’The upcoming 10-act concert aims to achieve exactly this by bringing together musicians from different genres on one platform
The two-day festival will explore the music ecosystem of Chennai, which is known for its propensity for tradition but is evolving to embrace new settings and sounds. The festival also marks the culmination of Chennai music. the hinduThe 45-day Made of Chennai campaign was launched to commemorate Madras Day. The campaign was about looking back (385 years) and looking forward.
The festival will showcase classical, gaana, hip hop, rap and film songs, which will acquaint the audience with the unique culture of the city.
“Though Chennai is known worldwide for Carnatic music, there is space for other genres as well. Independent musicians have carved a niche for themselves with great success,” says Badri Narayanan Sheshadri, who conceived MMM (Motta Maadi Music) and performs at the festival.
Motta Maadi music has risen from the rooftops to the global stage | Photo Credit: Courtesy: Gokulakrishnan Photography
Now a nine-member group, it began performing fat female For entertainment, we have moved to the proscenium and are traveling around the world. “Wherever we go, we create a different atmosphere Thiruvizha to showcase Tamil music,” says Badri.
Beyond the limits
With Chennai’s rasikas becoming more receptive to innovative renditions, Carnatic musicians are looking beyond the repertoire to engage with the art form in exciting ways. Though the concerts in Chennai have cemented their place in the history of Carnatic music, lately they have been sparking dreams of the future, says classically trained playback singer Haricharan, who has been performing with the band for over a decade. “Musicians seem to be experiencing a new-found freedom as they are stepping out of their comfort zones to create a new soundscape.
Haricharan has been performing with the Drums Kumaran Collective for the past one year. The singer says, “I put the collective together under the leadership of drummer Kumaran. They are all excellent musicians. I am recording with them. I have already released three songs and there will be more in the coming time. Though we are currently working on covers, we are planning to come out with some original songs soon.”
Singer Haricharan with members of the Kumaran Drums Collective | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
songs of resistance
Modern concerts, influenced by mass cultures and cutting-edge technology, are resonating with the muffled voices and less-heard sounds. Similarly, Chennai rap star Arivu found a medium to sing his songs of resistance, highlighting the social and cultural isolation of lower class artists. In concerts, along with his Ambasa band members, Arivu connects with the audience through his message-driven anthems and folk songs. petThrough his rebellious singles and albums, he has shown how music can be used to speak what’s in your heart.
Singer Malavika Sunder is happy with how festivals are breaking free from conventional rules. A regular at ‘Poti’ (she participated in Super Singer season 3 and was a finalist of Indian Idol), which coincidentally is the name of a track from her soon-to-be-released album Yezhundhen nimirandhen naadandhen. “Ironically, ‘Potti’ is about how each one of us is unique and there is no need to be in a rat-race,” says the singer-actor.
Tamil rapper Arivu is making waves with his protest songs | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Malavika credits the city for its cultural orientation. “Art is embedded in the ethos here. My understanding of Carnatic music has made me realise my creative power. It also gives me and my music a distinct identity in the indie world, and that is a great feeling. What is most heartening is that the music fraternity and listeners here have become open-minded. It has made life easier for artists like me, who love music without any boundaries.”
As festivals have grown in scope over the years, many festivals have diversified, combining music with food or adventure. the hindu The festival will feature the best of delicacies from over 40 food joints. It’s all about variety in tune and taste. And that’s what Chennai is all about.
Rocking line up
Haricharan and D Kumaran Collective
Motta Maadi Music
Arivu and Ambasa Band
malvika beautiful
MC Jess
Jhanu- Tamil metal band
Paul Jacob and Isiwani-Song
Office Song
Gowli- The Band
The festival will be held on September 14 and 15 at the Island Grounds from 4pm onwards.
Published – September 05, 2024 12:34 pm IST
