By Olivia Lyngdoh Mawlong
Banker Kharkongor always knew that he could connect to people with his quick-witted musical compositions. So when he got the opportunity to showcase his talent in college, Kharkongor did not falter. His songs were an instant hit and he not only won the top slot but hearts too.
Now, at 30, Kharkongor is an established singer. Born and brought up in urban Shillong, Banker’s songs speak about problems in the society and make people aware of the consequences. The artiste mostly uses acoustic guitar to perform his typical compositions.
“I learnt to play guitar by myself and in 2006, I composed my first song Wei ba la ngop (once you fall into a trap). All my songs, which are humorous and have social messages, are self-composed,” says the singer, an alumnus of St Anthony’s College.
Wei ba la ngop has over 72,000 views on YouTube.
The subject of Kharkongor’s songs ranges from cleanliness, awareness on sanitation, substance abuse, alcoholism and constitutional rights, among several others. The artiste has performed at many awareness programmes organised by the state government, workshops, fund-raisers and fetes. On January 25, he performed at Ward’s Lake on the occasion of National Voters’ Day. He recently performed at the inaugural function of the state’s first abattoir in Mawiong. He was also the brand campaigner for Swachh Bharat Mission’s rural chapter.
Kharkongor’s songs, which are not more than five minutes, taunt people’s vices and social malice. For instance, one of his songs on the subject of cleanliness says, Sumar bad Lehkhuid (be careful and clean). “The response has always been good because people can easily relate to my songs. Despite the humour and ridicules, no one takes offence but in fact, the audience, especially the youth, enjoys thoroughly,” he says.
Though humble and soft-spoken, Kharkongor turns into an energetic and a witty performer on stage, making the audience dance to his tunes. So far, he has composed 50 songs in Khasi and a few in English. Most of his songs have hit over 50,000 views on YouTube, a proof of the Khasi singer’s popularity.
The performer, who is also the popular host of Marynthing, a music show on local channel Batesi, is planning to release his first album that will be a collection of 15 songs.