American hip-hop artistes have discovered during a recent Kolkata tour that they share much in common with the ‘baul’ singers of West Bengal. “I never heard her before and though I couldn’t understand the language it just went straight to my heart. We have found that hip-hop and ‘baul’ are similar in two aspects – spirituality and touching social issues,” New York-born hip-hop rapper Sheikia Norris told PTI.
Reciprocating the feelings, Kolkata singer Malabika Brahma who follows the ‘Baul’ mystic minstrel traditions said she also could connect with hip-hop music.
A team of young American hip-hop singers are in Kolkata under a US government programme ‘Next Level’ which promotes civic activism and fosters cross cultural creative expression and exchange in diverse communities around the world.
Levantine Public Diplomacy’s Paul S Rockower, who has also joined the team of artistes, said both hip-hop and ‘baul’ are mediums of expressing what is going on deep within you. “Through music and dance we express our thoughts and feelings on what’s happening around us. So there is a spirituality angle involved into it as well as the discussion on social issues,” he said explaining the common ground for ‘baul’ and hip-hop.
DJ Lester Wallace said it was amazing to find similarities in terms of rhythm and energy between ‘baul’ and hip-hop.
The singers are also upbeat about the idea of a possible fusion between the two diverse forms of musical tradition originating from other sides of the globe. “Yes, why not? This programme has brought us together and now we will be in touch with each other and you never know what emerges later on. May be a fusion or a new kind of music,” Rockower said.
They say they have picked up nuances of each other’s work and will now work on exploring future collaborations. Together they conducted workshops for hip-hop enthusiasts, including school kids, and also collaborated with local musicians in jam sessions.
“We taught people on how to promote social awareness and civic activism through hip-hop. The students were interested in issues which relate to the environment and gender-based discrimination. These issues are important in the US too and we use hip-hop to raise them,” the singers said. Norris says she wants to help others use the healing power of hip hop to translate fears, pain, joy and stories into beautiful new creations.
Besides India tour, their exchange programme includes visiting Bangladesh, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Senegal, and Zimbabwe. (PTI)
