Raian-E-Jannat- Voice of Bangladesh

Introduction

Bangladesh and its music is an integral part of India’s music. The influences of both countries and the music is a subject of discussion this upcoming two weeks with focus on two representative singers from this region who sing on Smule. Bangladesh and its music is influenced by north Indian ragas, especially the influences from the state of West Bengal and its Bishnupur Gharana style of singing . The other styles of music this region imbibed a lot from the neighbor state of West Bengal that need a great mention here is Baul style of music which is performed by Bauls (mystic saints), who are seen with an ektara and characteristic styles of singing which is a mix of Sufism and sahaja. The songs are created by the saints as they sing and they pour their emotions and thoughts while they sing. These traditions are transferred orally and never written into books or accounts. The following video links are few of the accounts by westerners on Baul life and style of singing.  

A greater influence of Nazrul geeti (songs composed by Kazi Nazrul Islam) and Rabindra sangeet  is an important factor of highlight in these features where both the singers that featured are highly influenced by these two legendary poets and influences on both cultures of West Bengal and Bangladesh. We are very happy to present to you all the very first young featured female singer from Bangladesh, Smule Raian-E-Jannat (Ananta). The following is an interview with her that shed light to a vibrant Bangladesh Smule community. Hope this gives a lot of encouragement to many singers in Bangladesh to get involved more in group activities and make a stronger Smule community. Bangladesh needs a verified Smule group that they can enjoy a recognized group profile. Many thanks to our peers from this region especially Yugal Shresta for introduction and Karthik Jayaraman for chaperoning the songs selections and preparations. Subhajit Chatterjee for a constant support for screening singers from regions of South Asia that we are not able to understand well. We are so proud to present here Raian-E-Jannat a fanatastic talent from this region as our very first pick to represent Bangladesh.

Raian-E-Jannat (Ananta)

Raian-E-Jannat (Ananta)

Briefly Introduce yourself

“I am Raian-E-Jannat (Ananta). On Smule, I am  known as ‘Zann’.  I am a teacher by profession and a singer by heart. I am from the great capital city of Dhaka, Bangladesh. My family includes my ammu, abbu (mom and dad), two sisters and an elder brother. I want to say that I live in the world of music, where I have all kinds of tunes ringing in my ears constantly. Music became a best friend since my childhood. I generally like every kind of melody. Rabindrasangeet holds a special place in my heart.”

Please describe your music, growing up, why music became a part of your life? How your family, friends, teachers found about your music talent

From the time I started understanding things around me, I remember, music was amongst those few things that captivated me the most. I was totally enamored by its enigma! My music is a blessing in disguise. I must say all thanks to my family. When there was no Television and cable channels music used to be a privileged form of entertainment just like Television is now.. Nothing could really pose as a hindrance to listening and experiencing music back then. My ammu, abbu, bhaiya and my maternal uncle – they were the emissaries of different tastes of music. The aromas of Rabindrasangeet, film music by Lata Ji, Manna Dey and A. R. Rahman’s music used to be in every nook and corner of my house, all day! That’s the kind of ambience I was lucky enough to experience. Thus, music became an indispensable part of me.” 

Our soul is our true essence. Music is my soul. It didn’t take too long for me to realise this gift. It was kind of discovering my talent myself as my voice was becoming more and more capable of singing more challenges. I recall clearly those days, when I could effortlessly sing various numbers of Lata Ji, Alka ji and Shreya Ji by imitating their singing. My friends and relatives often used to be so fascinated by my singing capability! All these made me realise more deeply my music.”

What is music to you? or What it means to you?

“For me music is like air to life.. I believe that the day there is no music in my life and my breathing would definitely stop! Music is certainly my Life!”

Are you classically trained? if not what is your thoughts on the importance of it

I didn’t learn classical music ever, so I can’t call myself ‘classically trained’. But I have always been keen on learning classical music. Somehow, it did not happen. On the other hand, I have learned Nazrul Geeti and Rabindra Sangeet for a few years. I’ve realised that, It indeed is very important to be classically trained, if someone wants to pursue music, but the mind needs to be trained for music in the first place, which in my opinion, is more important to have. Since music is connected to the mind and soul, singing from within, is what, it’s all about! 

Smule, how did you start on this app?

A few years back I got to know about Smule from friends and plunged into the world of it! I found my confidence, my dreams, my happiness and a lot of amazing people there. 

What is your take on lyrics in the music? Your thoughts…

The lyrical part of a musical piece is absolutely the foundation! The words, the lines, the artistry of penning down the feelings, are the things, that contribute highly in a making a song, relevant for decades!  Like, the lines -“Jo Tum Ho Toh Hawa Mein Bhi Mohabbaton Ka Rang Hai“….make me fall in love with it, every time I listen to it! Or “Jise Tu Gungunaye Meri Dhun Hai Wahin” or, ‘Jeena bhoole the kahaan yaad nehi,Tujhko paya hai jahan saans phir aayi wahin‘ – how beautifully composed these lines are! Melody is indeed the backbone, but it’s the lyrical brilliance, that helps me escape my prison of thoughts! “

Growing up in Dhaka how the music of the capital city influenced your music?

Music is definitely influenced by its country of origin. Music is different in different places. Since I live in Bangladesh, my taste of music is very much influenced by the songs and writings of Kazi Nazrul Islam, the national poet of our country. We also have legendary folk music (Baul). It’s the music of the soil! if you listen to it, you’ll surely be transported to another world of realization. Since my hometown is Sylhet, folk music of Sylhet district is so close to my heart. Its richness is flowing through my veins. Shah Abdul Karim is my favorite musician of the folk genre. 

Typical Baul singing 

Runa Laila, Rezwana Choudhury Bonya, James, LRB are very famous and are amongst my favorite singers/artists of our country….I am absolutely fascinated by their aura of singing! 

What are your career ambitions with music?

I didn’t think of taking music as my career ever! It is my passion. I sing for my joy! I sing in freedom! But I’d like to be a playback artist if I have to take it as a profession, or I’d open a music school for the underprivileged children. So that I can share as much musical knowledge as I can with them! 

In five years from now where do you see yourself and your music should be?

In five years from now, I want to see myself musically more enriched, and my dream is to learn all Rabindra Sangeets from the book, Geetabitan, and I do want this dream to come true after five years.

List all your music interests, genres, male/female singers both hindi and regional languages, music directors etc

As I have mentioned very beginning,, Rabindra Sangeet is something, which I share the closest proximity with. But old classics, ghazals, soft rock, 90’s melodies, raaga music are favorites. My favorite male singers from Hindi are – Kishore Kumar ji,  Sir Manna dey, Mohammad Rafi ji, Jagjit Singh, Arijit Singh, Ghulam Ali, Udit Narayan, Mohit Chouhan. Female: Lata Mangeshkar ji, Alka Yugnik ji, Shreya Ghoshal, Kavita Krishnamurti, Madhushri,  and K.S Chithra. Bengali male: Rupankar Bagchi, Rupam Islam, Anupam Roy, Arijit Singh, Anjan Dutta, James, Srikanta Achariya. Bengali Female: Indrani sen, Jayati Chakraborty, Shreya Ghoshal, Samlata Achariya, Runa Laila, Rezwana Choudhury Bonna. Music directors: Salil Chowdhury, AR Rahman, Amit Trivedi, Shantonu Maitra, Anupam Roy, Anu Mallik.

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Please tell us more about Nazrul geeti if you can. (The following is a contribution from this singer about a very unique music form from West Bengal and Bangladesh).

“Kaji Nazrul Islam was born on 25th May, 1899 at Churulia in Asansol of West Bengal. He began writing as a young boy and was deeply attracted to the traditions of bardic (চারণ কবি) and folk poetry of rural Bengal, especially around his village Churulia near present day Asansol. The outbreak of World War I, forced his fortune to join the British Army in 1917, where he worked as a quartermaster and during this period he  studied classical Persian poets like Hafiz and Rumi.

After having come back from the Army, Nazrul decided to pursue his career in journalism and joined the movement for India’s freedom. His rebellious nature and radical poetry landed him in prison many times but this did not dampen his spirit.

On hearing about the death of Rabindranath Tagore on 8 August 1941, a shocked Nazrul composed two poems in Tagore’s memory. One of the two poems, “Rabihara” (loss of Rabi, or without Rabi), was broadcast on the All India Radio. Within months, Nazrul himself fell ill and gradually began losing his power of speech. His behaviour became erratic, he started spending recklessly and fell into financial difficulties. Having suffered for a long time, Nazrul succumbed to his long-standing ailments on 29 August 1976. In accordance with a wish he had expressed in one of his poems, he was buried beside a mosque on the campus of the University of Dhaka. Tens of thousands of people attended his funeral; Bangladesh observed two days of national mourning, and the parliament of India observed a minute of silence in his honour.

Within the span of his creative life, he composed about four thousand songs apart from other literary and journalistic works. His revolutionary works and ardent spirit encouraged and inspired the nation greatly and he became an icon of the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971.

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His songs changed from the rebellious to religious explorations at a later stage. He delved deep in both Hindu and Islamic practices and extensively composed over five hundred devotional songs extolling Kali, Shiva, Krishna, Saraswati along with the infinite Brahma and Shakti, the primordial energy.”

How I nurtured my love for Nazrul Geeti 

I’ve always believed in the transforming power of Music. Fortunately, I was exposed to a wide range of music at a very early age. I took no time in realising that, each and every genre has its own aroma. Nazrul Geeti was something, which I made friends with, at the very beginning of my ‘Explore Music’ journey.

Even though, Tagore is most actively worshipped in West Bengal, India, the adoration and admiration for Kazi Nazrul Islam is no less for me. Emotions played a vital role in developing admiration for Kaji Nazrul’s versatility. I was attracted to exploring his works more and more, as they demanded a different texture, a different base and tonality altogether. Many of his songs are the expression of pathos, through melody.

Slowly, I dive deep to delve into the melancholy and poignancy of Nazrul Geeti. 

All are overshadowed by Tagore’s imposing persona; but not Nazrul. In fact, Tagore used to admire this rebel poet, many years younger to him. The essence and inwardness of NazrulGeeti captivated me. It was the panacea for my tired soul. At the same time, NazrulGeeti is demanding. I realized it, while attempting to sing one. NazrulGeeti is raga-centric. The lyrics are in a class by themselves and adorned with different types of alankaras. 

For a singer like me, who wants holistic enjoyment, combining musical beauty with literary beauty, getting engrossed in the notes of NazrulGeeti is a boundless joy. 

I’d love to recollect a moment. 

It was a beautiful moonlit night with an eerie quietness surrounding me. I was sitting on the balcony, with the city lights in the distance. I felt the cold breeze with a tantalizing floral scent, waft of it, blow across my face, weaving its gentle fingers on me. A magical melody was being played from my room – 

Raian-E-Jannat (Ananta)

‘Aaji akashe batashe kanakani

Jage bone bone nobo fulero bani

Aaji amar kotha jeno bolite pai…’

‘Whispers are heard in the sky and in the wind

The floral messages are heard in the woods 

Let me speak out my heart this day.’ 

And, I closed my eyes and was transported to a different realm of infinite joy!

That tells volumes about Jannat and her music. Now is the time to listen to some songs of Raian-E-Jannat from Smule. Listen for sure.

A Nazrul geeti from a singer whose heart lives in world of Nazrul geeti and Rabindra Sangeet

With a super talent Aalapan Bowmik

Youtube channel link of  Raian-E-Jannat is here. 

https://youtube.com/channel/UC0vQaAzV9oGK5PxVH-pb8dw

END NOTES

The entire experience of knowing more about Bangladesh and its music scene was such an education and challenge in many ways. Lots of friends from this South Asian nation is an asset to our India community and is a happy moment to have written two features on singers from there. All the peers who helped achieve this is acknowledged.

Few words about both the singers. Jannat and Rahul (see associated feature), both are such great talents to know. Jannat whose enthusiasm for good singing is infectious. Her collaborative nature and high intelligence is so appreciated. Her patience with this process where she helped co-write this article is acknowledged. Her enthusiasm for Rabindra Sangit and Nazrul geeti was so pivotal as her selection for the very first Bangladesh featured artist position from entire Bangladesh community; this indeed was a real competed decision and applauded.

Rahul is an on-stage performer and is very enterprising and have all needed talent to take it to the next level. We are looking forward to him develop into a performing artist. He is big into live on-stage sessions and we wish his band a huge success.

Documentary The Way of  Baul

This is a very happy moment in our community to have these friends join us on this journey of knowing music.

Rahul Haque- A talent to reckon with

Introduction 

Rahul Haque is our first male pick from the entire Bangladesh Smule community. He is selected from Sonar Tori Smule group monthly Collab of the month singing competitions. It was through few friends from Bangladesh Smule, like Saif-ul-Islam, that we come to know more about a very active and vibrant group of singers from Bangladesh community, of whom we are glad to know and make good friends. Thanks for a great support and patience during this very tedious process of selection of singers from the community. The region is very much nurtured by huge influences of West Bengal culture and rich in talents. It is with pleasure we picked Rahul Haque and Raian-E-Jannat from a large number of singers screened for this purpose. Thanks to Subhajit Chatterjee, our former featured artist and his constant support in screening candidates for this purpose. Subhajit is a Rabindra scholar and a talent of excellence. 

The following is a very brief interview mainly discussing Rahul’s music in relation to Bangladesh culture background.

Please tell us about yourself

Myself, Mushfiqul Haque; I am from Bangladesh but most people know me as Rahul. I got my nickname from my mom at a very young age and stayed with me. I am a graduate in literature, have a bit of flare for graphic designing, and worked briefly as a graphic designer. I am currently working in the recruitment space as a human resources professional. I am an introvert by nature, when not “Smuling”. Otherwise, I am out in the fields playing cricket or football or while at home caring for my mother. 

A brief description of your growing up with special reference to your music

I was never inclined to music in my younger days, although I did grow up listening to a lot of radio. My mother has a lovely voice and does sing a lot herself – Just not on Smule. Coming to think of it, we are a musical family as my brother also loves to sing. At my younger age I grew up listening to Bangladeshi movie songs of Andrew Kishore, Runa Laila, Sabina Yasmin, Syed Abdul Hadi; band music like (LRB, Miles, Warfaze, Feelings, Souls, Feedback and ARK); hindi movie songs of Kumar Sanu, Udit Narayan, Lata Mangeshkar,  Manna Dey, Kishore Kumar, Chitra Singh, Kavitha Krishnamrty and ghazals of Jagjit Singh and Mehdi Hassan. I also had taste for popular western songs by Scorpions, Guns N’ Roses, Bon Jovi, Bryan Adams, John Denver, Metallica, Backstreet Boys and Eagles, just to name a few.

Rahul’s music taste is wide and so varied. He said his mom and her influence on his singing is a big factor. He says some of his earliest memories of childhood is her singing some Lata classics to him. 

How is the music of Bangladesh is different from india

“As far as the classical music scene and its training concerned, the influences from mainland India’s gharanas is huge. Rabindra Sangeet and Nazrul Geeti are very much part of classical music training and widely practiced in Bangladesh. Bangladesh music lovers adore Rabindranath Tagore (he wrote the Bangladesh national anthem “Amar Shonar Bangla, Ami Tomai Bhalobashi”) and Kazi Nazrul Islam and it is national pride for Bangladeshis to perform their songs on their birthdays and national days like ” Independence day” and “Victory day”. Living legends Rezwana Choudhury Bonnya and Sadi Mohammad are two of the most recognized Bangladeshi singers of Rabindra Sangeet, who are also famous in India. For Nazrul Geeti, Feroza Begum is the most recognized singer. She is a disciple who has got the opportunity to learn directly from Nazrul himself. She is also famous in India. She is known as the legend of Nazrul Geeti in Bangladesh.”

Are you trained in Classical music, if so describe all experiences

I have had a very brief training during my younger days; but unfortunately never had the opportunity to pursue due to circumstances beyond one’s control. Given a choice, I would love to pursue. One of my uncles taught me how to play harmonium and gave some lessons about classical music at my early age but unfortunately couldn’t continue.

Do you think you can be a successful singer without classical music? 

I am not saying that is one hundred percent true and having training in classical music is definitely a big advantage. I do know about Nazrul geeti and Rabinnbra sangeet but never practiced it. In the future I will be looking for opportunities to learn some. 

Tell us more about Nazrul geeti, if you know about it 

Nazrul Geeti or Nazrul Sangeet is, literally “music of Nazrul”, refers to the songs written and composed by Kazi Nazrul Islam. (24 May 1899 – 29 August 1976) was a Bengali poet, writer, musician. He is the national poet of Bangladesh. Nazrul Geeti integrates revolutionary notions as well as more spiritual, philosophical and romantic themes. Nazrul wrote and composed nearly 4,000 songs (including gramophone records), which are widely popular in Bangladesh and India. Some of the most notable Nazrul Geeti include “Notuner Gaan”, the national marching song of Bangladesh “Chal Chal Chal, urdho gogone baje madol” and “O Mon Romjaner Oi Rozar Sheshe”, an Islamic song on the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr (The Eid right after Ramadan). Nazrul produced a large body of poetry and music with themes that included religious devotion and rebellion against oppression. Nazrul’s activism for political and social justice earned him the title of “bidrohi kobi” (means rebel poet).

Does religious singing at mosques or typical singing styles of religious singing  influence your singing style?

Here mostly we don’t practice religious songs. Therefore religious songs has no such influence in music. In some special religious occasions like “Ramadan” we perform “Hamdnath” (a certain kind of religious song) to praise almighty. 

Rest of the world have been very prejudiced about nations with majority muslim populations. One of it is that believing in a religion affects the freedom of expression as an independent artist? Clear it for us as an artist coming from a Nation that declares Islam as the state religion.

Though majority of the population of Bangladesh is Muslim and as a Muslim I do have certain restrictions but it never affect anyones’ freedom of speech or expression. People  of Bangladesh do love music and appreciate it a lot just like other countries. Bangladesh has quite a few extraordinary musicians and singers as well who have international recognition for their extraordinary talent.

Although we touched this before, please describe each stage – childhood, schooling & college, how music was a part of your growing? And now your band music stage performances.

As I explained earlier, my association with music started at a very early age due to my parent’s love and passion for music. However, it was not until around my university days when things started really moving and I discovered my love for music was beyond just a casual hobby… aka beyond singing out loud. Post University, I joined a band as the lead vocalist, where the group I belonged to would do a lot of jamming. it all started more as fun at a social gathering.

But eventually we went on to perform at events and live on-stage shows for a wider audience. We got a lot of accolades for these events and shows which kept us motivated. At this time, I developed an interest and eagerness to learn playing a musical instrument. I have a friend who played the guitar and through whom I was fascinated to learn to play the instrument. Through him, I learned how to play a guitar and eventually played during some of the performances we had put up as a group.

GROWL- The Band

What are your impressions about the Smule experience? 

Smule is no doubt an excellent platform and has given a lot of singers who are passionate about music and singing in general a great opportunity to showcase their talent. To me personally, it has been a great learning experience overall as I’ve not only had the opportunity to explore myself but also have had the opportunity to sing along with and learn from some extremely talented people. In the process, I’ve also been able to make some amazing friends who have become more like family now. It’s amazing how an online app has been able to connect people from across the globe.

What is your take on India’s pop music and new trends?

I can’t comment on Indian pop music specifically as I haven’t heard a lot of it. Having said that, I like pop music in general. Most of our music jam sessions are mostly based on pop and rock music. 

Comment about the importance of classical music in this era? Yes or no why?

I think having that classical background certainly gives you an edge over someone who’s not classically trained. It definitely makes you more versatile and helps you broaden your horizon. Also makes you more confident? Given the kind of competition that exists in the music industry, you’ve got to have that edge to be able to survive and sustain in the industry. 

What is music to you?

Music has somehow become an integral part of my life. As cliché as it may sound, it does help me express my emotions and lift up my mood on a dull day. At the same time, a lot of my singing depends a lot on my mood at the time and is so situational. I hear a lot of people say “aaj gaane ko mann nehi kar raha ya aaj ye gaana karne ka mann hai” This is so true to a large extent and relatable as your state of mind is a very important factor on the kind of song you want to sing or listen to. 

Where do you want to go from here in 5 years?

I wanted to learn sound engineering so that I can take this passion to the next level. Moreover, it’s my dream and my desire to open a studio so that I can create my own music and work professionally.

Any achievements?

I never participated in any musical contests like many here. Coincidentally, I never get to talk much about achievements. Since the day I started performing with my band I got the flavor of true music. It gave me an opportunity to explore different types of music such as classical, hard Rock, western, pop, jazz, blues, folks etc. I enjoy the madness of performing in front of a huge crowd. Especially after joining Smule, I felt like I got wings to fly higher. Last year I was selected as the winner of a monthly singing contest from a very popular Smule group “Sonar Tori”. Now I got the super opportunity to become a core member of this amazing community.

Smule_IDIVA Riyaaz Contest Winners Song Promo

Param Bedi on Jassie Gill invites

IDIVA is a private channel came on Smule in the year 2020 to publicize their music production with Jassie Gill, Lisa Mishra and Kusha Kapila and the key word that struck a chord on Smule India’s music enthusiasts was Riyaaz. As musicians all know the key to any musician to stay singing is to do the practice. Smule app is the best tool in the hands of a learning musician to take advantage of it to his/her advantage to practice at their own leisure. Sometimes that practice done with celebrities like Jassie Gill made a big impact on some of the singing talents to win his attention. The contest promo was presented as tastefully as the contest. The Jassie Gill, Lisa Mishra and more common man’s celebrity Kusha Kapila came week after week and put out their songs that Smule users get to sing along. The contest created such impact on the app that entire India sung and danced to the music.

Unlike the many other celebrities who came on the app these three kept their promises that they sat and listened to the joins. Responded to India community members when directed to some excellent joins. Thanks for listening. Overall this contest and effort from IDIVA group not only made professional singers Jassie Gill and Lisa Mishra more popular. Kusha Kapila a Social media celebrity became more popular and became a next door friend to many. Not that they all listened, they kept their promised prizes of free membership on the app. Overall this contest was kind of the first of its kind on Smule where celebrities made appearance where talents of all kind got a highlight. If Jassie and Lisa picked some of the finest singers Kusha had been extremely kind to listen and her picks had some of the typical Smulean singers (which she called the Bathroom singers). The contest designers had a clear publicity plan and they executed so well this was a grand success of any contest. All selected singers got their highlight through the IDIVA portal and their Instagram posts.

To the greatest happiness of the Smule India Community, two of our featured artists Mouli B and Ambalika Mukherjee both great singers got a chance to be noticed and finally that culminated in joining in singing on a album produced by IDVAofficial. Also Param Bedi a talent from Punjab that we screened for a male pick from that state was picked by both Lisa and Jassie. They all got an opportunity to sing and perform on their new song that literally is a song that tells what this contest was about.

Mouli B. a super talent that we identified earlier in our featured artist series was identified by Jassie Gill. Here is Mouli’s song that Jassie picked her as the winner.

Mauli B is the pick of Jassie Ke jaanbazz

Mouli B. video

Param Bedi Video

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ambalika Mukherjee (@ambimukherjee)

Ambalika Mukherjee video

The whole song is here

END NOTES

These contestants won their place from Smule just due to their pure talents and hard work. They never failed to take that extra interest and try to put out their performances on their social media handles and send it to friends and who ever they can. Way to go guys. You deserve this better than anyone.

The most important aspect of being on Smule is either use it for your practice and when have a focus on a career it is an app that help you make use of it as a way for you to get the attention you need, be it from the community members or celebrities. Thanks to Jassie Gill who had played a huge role in encouraging young talents on Smule. A small gesture from a professional singer like him made a big difference in the lives of many budding talents. Congratulations to IDIVAofficial on a superb successful event.

Smule India Awards – 2020

Our Patrons San Diego Indian American Society (SDIAS) and Swaradigm

https://www.facebook.com/swaradigm/

See our sponsor of this competitions and subscribe to their awesome voice fitness classes today

Contact

https://www.facebook.com/swaradigm/

Arun at their Facebook page

For our Malayalee friends.

For our Tamil friends- Sangeetha Rajesh.

For our Bengali friends- Our friend from West Bengal Sourajit Ghosh.

For our Malayalee friends- Our esteemed Judge- Pradip Sir

For Kannadiga friends- our friend Lakshmi Hoysal

Introduction:

The Smule India Awards are initiated in the year 2019 by Community members on Smule as a way to recognize each year one or two singer profiles of excellence singing on Smule app. The rules of selection for this recognition is defined in the following sections.

What this Award means:

This is a huge recognition because this award is designed in a way that the selection is heavily in the hands of entire Smule community, that is you. You decide and vote who get this recognition.

Physically it is a single award given as a prize money of One hundred and fifty US dollars (150.00 USD only). The award this year is in the name of San Diego Indian American Society and its founding father Prof. Murugappa Madhavan.

A second place and Third place Award:

The second place award is for 75 USD and a Third place of 50 USD will be given

The entire award money we achieved this year total of 285 USD. The major sponsors of this competition are San Diego Indian American Society, Swaradigm Voice training School and Raghu Rajagopal. Raghu is a music enthusiast who generously donated to this cause. Thank you from the heart for the whole team. Thanks to our constant support and Patron San Diego Indian American Society (SDIAS) and many other friends of the blog who chipped in whatever they can.

In addition the winner get featured artist status with an opportunity to be in our esteemed featured artist line on the Smule India Blog pages, and a community support for their career activities.

Invitation to Nomination:

This is the time of the year we are seeking your help in nominations from the entire India community.

Submission deadline : January 22nd 2021.

Eligibility criteria:

a) Previous year’s winners (two) are not eligible for this award. All Runner up nominees are still eligible for nominations this year as well. It is a free competition there is no fee to participate.

b) A nomination can not be self.

c) Anybody from Smule community can suggest any profile of a singer singing in any language or state or geographical location.

d) Only a single nomination is acceptable from a user (proof of a proper email is needed for the submitting person).

e) The user have to have an active Smule profile singing in any India languages.

f) The user must have been actively singing most part of last year on the App

g) They should display a serious interest in developing a professional singing; profiles with pass time interest in singing are eligible but quality of your invites and how you present yourself in the community is an important aspect in this recognition.

h) Age is not a restriction.

i) Singers with commercial interests expressed explicitly through their profile are not eligible, (like music schools etc.)

j) Hidden talents are what this award is all about.

k) This is only nomination stage where we are asking for as many as nominations possible, but a single user can only nominate one singer in a given year for consideration. Give your diligent thoughts so this year award goes to a deserving candidate

l) Smule users in the judging panel (see below) can not be nominated

Click the link below to submit a nomination for this Fellowship Award-

Remember no self nominations or nominations of Judges of the panel

https://forms.gle/8hZJ971oauQrPhmL7

Process of selection:

Award fellowship selection process
1st stage
Nominations from the India Community (that is you, until January 25th 2021)

2nd stage
The top 10 will be presented to the Smule community for an online Voting on 6th of February 2021. Voting will remains open until February 28th of 2021(Extended new deadline)

The final stage (March 15th of 2021)
Judges panel at that time has the power to add a weightage of 75% to vote for deciding the three top positions. Voting carry 30% of weightage.
The award fellowship is 150, 75, and 50 USD respectively. Any decisions made by the panel will be final

An expert panel from the current Smule Community that represents most of the states from India will finalize Ten top nominations from the submitted entries. These entries will be posted on the Smule India Blog site and on the Smule app for voting by the community for a month period till February 22nd 2021. Your votes carry 30% of weight, while 75% of weight in the final score will be given by an expert panel of judges decision. Any decisions made by the Panel of judges will be final.

Our Judges Panel

1. Pradip Somasundaran (Kerala)
2. T. N. Arunagiri (Tamil Nadu)
3. Dr. Aparajita Lahiri (Ranchi, Jharkhand)
4. Swapnil Gorey (Maharashtra)
5. Ankita Sinha ( West Bengal)
6. Sunandita Bhattacharya (West Bengal)
7. Geetika Pant ( Uttrakhand)
8. Shruthi Krishnamurthy (Karnataka)
9. Yugal Shreshta ( Nepal) (not able to participate)
10. Subhajit Chatterjee (West Bengal) (not able to participate)
11. Sangeetha Rajesh (Tamil Nadu)
12. Prasad McCoy (Kerala)
13. Deepti Nair (Kerala) Sarogow

Fellowship Award Announcement: Will be on March 20th, 2021 through Smule India Blog site and Smule verified handles on the Smule App at a Live Jam Session (The program to be announced). The award money will be distributed not later than April 15th 2021.

Anoop Menon- A music from Nature

INTRODUCTION

Anoop Menon is from Smule Malayalam and it is such a pleasure to bring his profile to our features. Anoop lives in Dubai and works there. Previously when the Dubai Smule community celebrated their first-ever Smule meet, Anoop reported the events for the community along with the organizers. Anoop’s introduction is through our former featured artist Geethu Joy Anand. Thanks to all the peers who are our pillars of support here. Anoop’s feature probably has the longest delays in publishing after its initiation (almost 2 yrs).

The primary reason for the selection of Anoop for a featured artist status is his musically rich profile on Smule Sing with outstanding singing of some of the best Malayalam songs. Anoop’s singing abilities are at par with any other singers we featured here. Here is a short interview of his musical journey and interests. It is very anecdotal here for us to mention briefly about Beethoven, who is a musician known for his love of nature and took inspiration for most of his compositions from his love of the sounds of nature (1). He often went out of his Vienna home to the rural countryside on long walks before writing his compositions. His famous 6th Symphony is often highlighted from his career as a great example of his creative pieces that typically show these influences. Let us begin Anoop’s feature by listening to Beethoven’s great musical extravaganza “Pastorale” performed by London Philharmonic Orchestra. We are almost at the end of a tumultuous year where Nature is trying to teach the mantra of “preserving our green earth”, by putting all of us through a spreading pandemic that can wipe out humanity from this planet. We all musicians and artists are here to endorse this immediate cause that needs attention more than any time in the past.

Anoop Greens

Anoop Greens

Please tell us a bit about yourself

“I am Anoop Menon. I am basically from a small but beautiful hamlet called Kodali, in the Thrissur district of Kerala. The place is known for its historic importance as the place where the Kings of Kerala, stored their weaponry. More than anything, my home town is beautiful with unbelievable greenery and nature. In fact, I miss that place big time and always want to get back there and settle back when the time comes. I currently live and work with my family in Dubai. My family consists of my wife and a daughter.”

Please tell us more about your early music experiences by walking us through your childhood and school stages

“My family, as in many Kerala cultures, was a single family with a lot of relatives and elders around. Music and culture were the main part of growing up. I used to be very active in mainly singing activities at schools for competitions and won many prizes for my school.”

“My childhood was rich and blessed with living in a very supportive family. I had my maternal grandfather who was an ardent music fan. Many in the family loved music and arts. That environment benefitted me enormously. As I said my mother’s side has lots of talented singers.  That allowed hearing a lot of classical music from a very early age itself. But no one taught me anything, since no one noticed my talent. Maybe, it is better to say that my natural interest in music and arts is self-nurtured. But I can say at age six, I could sing ‘Entahru mahanu bahabavalu‘. I sang on a stage during my 4th-grade year. It was all self-initiated and self-taught singing. Looking back,  I must say that there was no proper training or direction from anywhere. Yet, singing had been my passion. I loved all the arts and culture around me. Those days a tape recorder and the music on Cassettes were everything and the only medium where I could listen to others’ music. I had been fortunate to win many prizes in Schools. At later stages, I was fortunate to be the KalaPrathibha in School Youth festivals winning all competitions in the singing category.”

Anoop Greens

An influence of a Dad on his Son

“My father and his influence on me is a monumental reason for my artistic side. He was a forest officer who worked for the government service. He loved nature and he was very active in many local art societies and their activities. Even though our village was small there was a center established for nurturing arts and music. It was called Kalamndir -where I went to study music for a number of years. Another institute my dad was actively a part of was called FAS for short -Fine Arts Society. They organized programs – especially folk arts and music. My dad was an active member of this society. This background in my growing up had a tremendous influence on me. I love folk songs and the very natural tunes of nature. I like to be known as Anoop Greens because I want to focus the rest of life on making music that stresses preservation of our nature and its resources.”

You did not say anything about your mother

“My Mom is a housewife. She was not much into music, was very strict in comparison, while we were growing up. Now both my parents appreciate my singing and they listen to my singing. But growing up there was not much to say that nobody in the family believed music can be the main career. Could not blame anyone for it. Pressures to become independent were there always.”

Anoop Greens

What type of music do you like the best?

“I am an ardent fan of classical music and like to sing mostly semi-classics. I do listen to all types of songs, but I have an instant connection to Semi-classic music.”

So where did you study for your College and further?

“I went on to do my degree in “Automobile Engineering” and for that, I went out of Kerala and did that from a private institution in Bangalore. College life was eventful with arts as well but I focused a lot on Sports during that time. I was a champion at college in the high jump and long jump and many other track and field events. I did participate in college events but studies were a priority over many other activities.”

What happened after college how did you end up in Dubai and now singing on Smule?

“I must say the period after my college days was probably the most influential time in music. I went to live with a few friends to get involved in some engineering projects and gain some work experience, and that was in the capital city of Trivandrum. Music was a passion by then. I happen to know music director M. G. Radhakrishnan sir. and decided to go visit him and in hope to have him teach me music. It was his wife who received me when I reached their house. I told her I want to learn music from Sir. She sent me upstairs to  Radhakrishnan sir’s office. I still remember when I met him, Radhakrishnan sir looked at me and said that

“ You don’t look like someone who can sing,” I told him I want to learn music from him. He asked me to sing two different compositions in Shakarabahram and Kalyani ragas. After I finished singing, he agreed to teach me but he also advised me to go visit his sister, ‘Omanakutty teacher‘. “You should go learn from my sister Shrimathi. Omanakutty teacher.” (A prominent south Indian classical musician and great teacher to many Malayalam musicians). I was fortunate to be trained by both these legends for a short period of my stay in Trivandrum.”

A simple gesture of encouragement from a Music director

“Once Radhakrishnan sir was auditioning from the students to sing a track for his music. There were many good students in our class who sang better than me and I never expected him to pick me. But he pointed his finger at me at the end of the audition and that was a moment I will never forget. The moment I went to his studio to sing a track under his music direction was an amazing achievement in my memory. Although, my stay in Trivandrum ended abruptly, and the deteriorating health of Radhakrishnan sir cut-short my prospects to continue this collaboration. Also, an offer to get a job abroad and move to Dubai was a turning point.”

A nature-loving Artist

” Looking back there are regrets, but I am a passionate singer of melodies, and very passionate about Kerala’s culture and its folklore. The old fire is inside me and will not extinguish till my last breath. I am what I am, I have changed my last name to Greens from my family name to represent the rich culture and green land of Kerala, which I am very proud to represent. Anoop Greens is used as my identity only on my social circles.”

Please talk in detail about how the music around you influenced you during your growing up?

“I had the rare opportunity to work alongside some great musicians like M. G. Radhakrishanan sir and like. Many of the very folk-based music from that era and the single most experience of singing a track for MG sir was still something so inspirational. I have imbibed all his vision and music a lot. Thanks to my guru Smt. Omanakutty teacher, for her teachings.”

What is your music? Could you define it for us?

“My music is very much close to the rich culture and traditional songs of Kerala. I am almost madly in love with all the traditional folk tunes unique to Kerala. It is the heart of Kerala’s music. We had many great poets, music directors who kept these tunes alive.”

Anoop Menon

You talked about your music a bit, now what do you want to do in your music career?

“I am very interested in music composition. I already have made several compositions and did make songs with other Smule singers. We have a very healthy Smule singer community in Dubai and we are very close to each other.”

Where do you want to be in your music five years from now? Talk about all the Dubai activities with friends

“Want to make some songs for me. Want to give chance to sing along me with a lot of good singers that I came across in my music journey. One big dream is to compose a song and make “K.S. Chitra” to sing it for me. Generally, I want to make album songs of my own composition. I have already done a lot of creative work. Our friends in Dubai have made this small video, which you may be interested to watch. Please watch this.”

WAAO My own music. 

Talk to us about Smule experiences? How did you start singing on the App and how did that benefit your music?

“It was about three to four years ago when a few friends together we started the journey on Smule. On this journey, I met a lot of good singers and some good friends. Smule for me helped improve my singing by listening to other good singers how they approach a song and many times that is what I needed most. I say this is a super app that is of tremendous use for singing talents.”

What genres of music do you like? 

“Mostly semi-classic, some fast numbers and melody. For me, I think western style is not suitable.”

What is your take on modern trends and new songs? Do you listen to them?

“I am very traditional in many respects. I do listen to many types of music. But unfortunately, not a big fan of all this new music and I think most of them are just noise to my ears. Sorry to say it plainly like that. But I want to learn Hindustani and north Indian Qawwali style singing. Now is the time. Very soon looking to do something like that.”

Want to talk about South India’s Classic music and its influence on film music?

“When you look at songs made for movies like Shanakarabhanram, Sopanam, Sargam, etc (these are my favorite movies songs); those are legendary songs and I have no words to describe how well they all made. We talk about those songs that were made two or three decades ago as they were made yesterday. And its greatness can not be denied. Can we point to a movie or song that is made recently to such care and details put into them? That is where I see the difference. I think it is high time, we have to think about all these. I am not against or denying the modern trends and influences in music, but those are not the only thing that matters. Songs have to be made with a lot for musicality and genius. We are sitting here and talking about all these is a good thing. Because youngsters who are interested in good music have to understand what is right and wrong when we accept the modern trends and incorporate them into our culture.”

“That concludes a very short interview with Anoop. Let us hear some of the excellent song selections and songs he sang exclusively for the purpose of display here.”

Let’s hear “Jab deep jale aana” from Anoop Menon a superb iconic KJ classic

Listen to me sing “Ponveyil Manikkacha Azhinju veenu” on Smule:  A Malayalam Iconic classics

Let’s sing “Puzhayorazhakulla pennu” together on Smule! Here’s the link to join: 

Listen to me sing “Shankarabharanam omkara nadalu” on Smule: 

Listen to me sing “[Full] Chand Jaise Mukhde Pe Bindiya Sitara” on Smule: 

Listen to me sing “sooryanaay thazhuki”

Listen to me sing “Oru Chembaneer Pooviruthu”

Listen to me sing “Mitwa – Kabhi Alvida Na Kehana”

Anoop’s YouTube  Album Songs

Under a Smule created efforts from devotional music album by the Narayan R Menon and McCoy Medias. This is an amazing effort by Prasad McCoy and music director Narayanan R menon to put out an album where many singers from Smule are given a chance to sing to the tunes of Narayan R. Menon. There is a single write-up to be published this week to highlight the music from this album and performances by Smule singers.

Listen to Anoop’s song in this album here.

Listen to me sing “Poo Niranjal – Poomalai vangi” joined here from Smule Vasu

“Surmayee Ankhiyon Mein – Surmayee Akhiyon Mein The Unwind…” joined here with Anoop is Chiyani from Smule.

“Thooval Vinnin Maaril – Thalayanamanthram” on Smule

ENDNOTES

A strong singer with a distinctive view of his music. Anoop’s music comes from a place where he grew up. It is filled with tunes and melodies of folk culture and a strong influence of his dad who made Anoop understand the need of knowing the nature around us and hear and see the music and beauty. The songs of greenery, voices of nature, are the origins of all the music in the world. Researchers are sure that the origin of our music probably stems from naturally occurring sounds and rhythms. Human music may echo these phenomena using patterns, repetition, and tonality. Anoop’s interview was like a fresh breath of some of these thoughts in our writings here. Anoop even decided to change his name to Anoop Greens because the way he sees this world is in the color of earth. That in itself is the beauty of this singer. 

It was our pleasure to write about this yet another talent from the Smule with a clear direction and viewpoints about his music. We will be happy to support this singer in all his endeavors of music in the future. Please visit Anoop on his social media pages at the links and encourage him.

https://www.smule.com/AnoopGreens

On Instagram Anoop.menon.5680

On YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDQLoJHNGxzV_Xu-moGD9uw

References:

Nature lover-https://www.bthvn2020.de/en/background/leitthemen/nature-lover/#:~:text=Beethoven%20loved%20nature%20in%20the,a%20sonic%20portrayal%20of%20nature.