'Roots' fusion to enrich NE music roots

Itanagar, May 19 (UNI) A group of budding Australian musicians, together with some renowned folk artistes of North-East, arrived here yesterday to present a fusion of indigenous and western music.

The musicians said they were here to explore the possibility of harnessing the local flavour to enrich their musical compositons and create innovations for the global audience.

They would enthrall the audience at the Indira Gandhi Park here today with their scintillating performance and stimulate the younger generation of the region to realise the richness of their hitherto not-so-popular cultural roots.

Named as ''ROOTS'' Festival, 2007, a platform conceived by the Shillong-based Keith Wallang, an experienced guitarist in a Mumbai band, this musical extrvaganza aims to familiarise the unique traditional music, dance, songs and folklore among the global audience.

''The determination to popularise our indigenous music drove me back home to Shillong 14 years ago to create 'Springboard Surprises' of which 'ROOTS' is a young bud,'' Mr Keith Wallang said at a press meet here yesterday.

The overwhelming response to the performance of the 27-member Australian troupe at Shillong (May 5), Imphal (May 9), Kohima (May 12), Diphu (May 15) had encouraged them, despite the small beginning, to unite the minds through music, added Mr Keith.

Supporting Keith, Ms Jane Hole of Australia's AJMC band pointed out that melodious music was a common phenomenon among the indigenous people globally and the platform would help share cultural experiences and integrate the people.

''I am happy for my maiden trip to NE where a concept has been evolved parallel to that of Australia to foster unity through music,'' she added.

When asked whether the influential western music would overshadow the music of the NE, Mr Keith said it would instead enhance it by widening the interests of the audience and inspire the youth to be proud of their own uniqueness.

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