The music video of Highlands, the English adaptation of the iconic Khasi song Rilum, was released and performed by members of the school choir of St. Claret Higher Secondary School on Thursday.
The song is the English version of Rilum, which was originally on the album Ka Thwei Ki Dohnud, released in 1998 during the KSU’s 20th anniversary celebrations.
Former KSU president Paul Lyngdoh, who wrote and composed the original Khasi song, has now rewritten it in English to reach a global audience.
Sharing the story behind the song, Lyngdoh, who is also a former cabinet minister, revealed that the idea for Rilum was first conceived in 1992 when he was under preventive detention during his days as a student leader. Inspired by a poem he had written while in jail, the song was penned in 1997 before its released a year later.
Lyngdoh said the song received an overwhelming response from the public and became one of the most meaningful tracks in the album.
However, he felt that many from the younger generation had never heard the song, as nearly three decades have passed since its release.
He recalled that the song was revived earlier this year during the inauguration of the State Museum, where it was performed by the Khmih Society group. The performance introduced the song to many young people for the first time and generated renewed public interest.
According to Lyngdoh, a recording of the performance uploaded on YouTube has already crossed more than one million views, prompting efforts to make the song accessible beyond Khasi-speaking audiences.
To achieve that objective, the song was translated into English and performed by the choir of St. Claret Higher Secondary School. Lyngdoh expressed hope that an official music video would further help bring the song to international audiences.
He said the project is particularly significant because it involves teenagers who are at a formative stage in life.
Praising the choir’s performance, Lyngdoh said he was delighted but not surprised, noting that the Khasi community possesses a rich musical tradition and immense talent.
He also said that with Khasi now recognised as an official language in the state, more writers, musicians and artists are emerging to showcase Khasi culture and creativity to the world.
