Music is the food of soul for the Mizos

Aizawl, Oct 15: Music is the food of soul for the Mizos, who are never embarrassed to gyrate in open spaces to the thud and strains of music, be it pop, country, rap or simply gospel.

Mizos have no mode of entertainment, not even a single cinema hall in the town.

They composed music to celebrate the fall of Germany in World War II. And, when they worried for the dear ones fighting as scouts in the British army, they, not surprisingly sang.

''German ral lian tawnin tir suh'', sang a tearful girl after she came to know that her lover was to be conscripted. ''Please do not take my love away from me''.

Mizo hearts still melt away when they listen to haunting songs.

And, when they felt the need to revive the Mizo society of the yore in the early seventies, they fell back on the patriotic songs of Rokunga. And, modern Mizo music kicked off in style.

''There is a close relation of Mizos and music. Everywhere we go, music follows. Be it politics, election campaigns, entertainment, worship of condolence programmes and we express ourselves eaisly through music'', Lalhlimpuii, a psychologist at the Centre for peace and development said.

East Bengal singer Shylo Malsawmtlunga was in his hometown, not to play the beautiful game, but as chief guest at concerts and audio cassette release functions.

Vanlalsailova's hit number ''Zoram Tang Fang Fan'' and Lalrindiki Khiangte's ''Mizoram Tan'' have been his inspiration.

''On the night before we played the 2004 Asean Cup final in Indonesia, I listened to these two songs and made my spirits soar'', the footballer endearingly known as mama in Kolkata, gushes.

''As long as there is music, Mizos will be around'', Michael M Sailo, one of the leading singers of the state, said.

''Depite our uneviable economic position, we are unmatched when it comes to music,'' music promoter Makuka of Musicians's platform said.

''Now talk of variety, and you will get to ''A to Z of music in the Mizo music industry,'' L V dawnga music instructor at the institute of music and fine arts said.

Music is a major industry in Mizoram, celebrated even in Myanmar --rock posters, mass hysteria and fan clubs. But most of the country remains unaware that the most wonderful Mizo version of 'silent night' lilts its was across the hills during festival times, Sangzuala, a senior journalist and columnist said.

UNI