TODAY -

The magic music can do to our lives !

Khelsoril Wanbe *

A rock concert during OUGRI 2015 festival at NIT, Manipur on 29 March 2015
A rock concert during OUGRI 2015 festival at NIT, Manipur on 29 March 2015 :: Pix - Gnet



It is quite difficult to describe the magic music can wrought to its listeners. Music can make people laugh, excited, sad, happy, joyful, etc. The world without music would imaginably be boring. One amazing thing about music is its variety. There are so many kinds of music that what is music for one person may be noise for another.

However, one thing is undeniable; every variety of music has power of its own kind. It’s worth wondering if there are people who do not, at all, like music of any kind! What could such people be like- cold, lonely or dangerous! Personally, music has played a big role in my life which may be either positive or negative or even a mixture of both. Yes, the effect/impact of music on its listener, I feel, is a subject worth some serious discussions and pondering.

My musical foray/voyage began even before my teen years in the early eighties of the previous century. I remember those days when a cousin of mine would play Hindi, Manipuri and English songs on a record player. A few years later, another cousin introduced me to a headphone. On the headphone, I began to listen to pop, reggae, country and rock music.

My cousin explained to me the joy of listening to stereo music and I began to be obsessed with the desire to own one. For few more years, I had to be patient before I finally got my first stereo music player. Exciting days of music had begun, supplemented by my procuring of a second-hand guitar through a friend of mine. I was only Class-IX when this childhood friend began to inspire me with his musical talent by singing mainly country songs of Dan Seal, Smokie, Rainbow etc in the accompaniment of guitar played by himself.

It took me some time before I learnt to play the major keys. I was so fascinated with great guitar sounds of both country and rock, so I tried to mimic some classic sounds of Deep Purple, CCR, Led Zeppelin, Smokie, Iron Maiden, Beatles etc. First, I began with the rhythm sounds, and then tried some lead guitar sounds of legendary guitarists. However, I have, here, to admit that my involvement with music, at that stage, was more to do with listening than playing. The funny or amazing thing about my and my friend’s love of music is that quite often we would listen to our favourite songs for hours non-stop.

The loud music we played would invite even some drunken guys loitering on the road to come up and dance heartily on the porch. They danced to the tunes of songs like Suzi Q, Cotton Field, Come Together, Get Back, Smoke on the Water etc. And yeah, my friends and I would also exhibit whatever we could by doing covers of classic songs on the roadside and in front of gatherings whenever we got the chance. We would do Wasted Years, The Troopers, Rhyme of Ancient Mariner, Paranoid, Smoke on the Water, Wasted Sunset, Before the Dawn and many more. However, my adolescent aspiration to pursue music as a career never got fulfilled.

Some great musical experiences include attending concerts where the highly talented national and state musicians performed more covers and less originals. From the later parts of the 1980s to the middle of the nineties, I used to attend concerts held at Yaiskul ground, THAU ground, GM Hall, BOAT etc. Witnessing electrifying performances of our local musical talents were quite unforgettable. One amazing thing about those musical concerts is the air of infectious bonhomie that was spread all around, although, admittedly, sometimes, some minor scuffles did take place due to over excitement, but overall peaceful.

The guitarists would run to and fro and all around, they would pull and shake their long hair. Oh, the excitement would almost touch the sky. The musicians including the vocalists, the guitarists, the drummer would unleash like flood all their pent-up and smouldering talents. Devotion, dedication, determination, diligence, perseverance etc are perhaps some of the essential qualities that are possessed by those flamboyant musicians- rock musicians, to be precise.

I had the privilege of witnessing the gigs of Manipuri bands like Cannibals, Phoenix, Power Pack on several occasions. Other bands whose fame struck my ears include Post Mark, Drixian Empire, Sudden Friends etc. Incidentally, I had the rare privilege of listening to some songs of Post Mark that included, Soar High. Sweet Reggae of the Cannibals and Woman of Phoenix are unforgettable. Although the memories are fading, some impressions left by such concert attendance still blurrily linger on.

I can still admiringly remember the ease, knack and dexterity with which some of our local musicians handled their musical instruments on stage. Our vocalists, guitarists, and drummers are so amazingly talented that, I feel, they are presentable at any national and international music events and carnivals. Their enthralling and electrifying performances never failed to attract hordes of youth to the concert venues, inspiring many to follow their footsteps, afterwards.

The crowds would sway and enjoy the time of their life. Life without entertainment must be quite boring and music is an essential form of entertainment. As part of our musical interests or, should I say, pursuit, my childhood friend and me had the haunting experience of visiting late brother Paul Gangmei of the Cannibals when he was staying at Langol Housing Complex. He was amazingly cordial and simple. When we requested him to sing some songs for us, he merrily and cheerfully agreed to sing for us few songs that, as far as my memory lets me remember, included The Wall of Pink Floyd and Nothing Else Matter by Metallica.

I have, here, dwelt a bit on my experience with rock music; I would now like to say something about other forms of music that have made some impact on my life and outlook. As mentioned above, music of different varieties exert different influences on the listeners. There are gentle and soft varieties of music like country, sentimental and gospel/devotional that inspire feelings and thoughts of love, forgiveness, kindness and meditation.

Among western country singers, the haunting songs of Dan Seal, Don William, Kenny Rogers, Ricky Skaggs will live on. Their songs of romance, heartbreak, gratitude, country life add mellowing effects to the vast world of music filled with loud noises and melodious cacophony. Some gospel music that really brought joy and peace include songs by Jim Reeves, Gaither Vocal Band, Petra, George Younce, George Jones etc.

Amidst and amongst these plethora of western music were blended the songs of vernacular musical celebrities like Tapta, Uttam, Sorri Senjam etc. There are, of course, many other locally very popular singers, but as far as my eclectic musical collections are concerned these few mentioned local musicians tower quite tall amongst the many and my foray into our local music world continues with the help of ISTV. I would even like to write in greater details about the impact of the ever increasing songs of our land both of the hills and the plains.

Once, I was playing some mellow songs of Don Williams when an elderly man paid my home a visit. The man was so enchanted by the melodious songs of Don William that, after some time, he enquired if the songs being played were gospel songs. He suggested translating them into our local dialect. That was the magic of music.

Music, even without understanding its lyrics, seems to affect the heart and mind or, should we say, the soul in the way it is made. Some experts have cautioned that music can also inspire negative behaviour.

There are also allegations that some forms of music are demonic. It is scary to think of this. Indeed, music is so powerful that we probably careful about the kind of music we listen. We can also ask the question as to whether we should avoid music that might promote bad negative feelings in our hearts, minds, and soul. Well, it is up to you, me, him, her, they, them- what kind of music we love or choose to listen.


* Khelsoril Wanbe wrote this article for The Sangai Express
This article was posted on April 09, 2015.


* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • Colonial Knowledge Production in NE #8
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • The fight for survival in Manipur
  • A call for unity from displaced voices
  • COVID-19: Update 08 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Dogs Are Staying on the Ground :: Poem
  • Football Tournament at Heinoukhongnembi
  • Condemns Kuki Inpi's Directive
  • Installation Ceremony of Lions Club, Imphal
  • All that can go wrong has gone wrong
  • Manipur peaceful from Delhi's perspective
  • Bashanta Ras @Govindaji #2 : Gallery
  • Hypocrisy & the betrayal of sovereignty
  • Healing with Art for children concluded
  • Manipur : Champions 24th Junior Natl Wushu
  • Path to Becoming a Leader Who Inspires
  • Van Mahotsav 2025, festival of life
  • The Flavours of Life :: Poem
  • Assault on sensibilities of the media
  • Revival of MPP after years of bitter disputes
  • Ougri Lirol :: Part 2 : Ooba Video
  • Jianreilung, Chingamba, Masounii : eMing
  • How Jessami conservation of Nongin
  • Shija Hospitals turns 40
  • COVID-19: Update 06 July 2025 : Manipur
  • The Indomitable Young Souls :: Poem
  • Growing network of drug dealers in country
  • Politics of SoO pact since 2008
  • No takers for disturbance-free education
  • 31st Governor Cup Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • PM welcome to Manipur: Feel the reality
  • Kainkhol wins best Social Message Film Award
  • Distortion of facts: Manipur sports movement
  • Govt services reach Manipur's tribal villages
  • 134th Durand Cup Trophies Flag Off
  • COVID-19: Update 05 July 2025 : Manipur
  • How to take care of oily skin in monsoon
  • First-Ever Tripura Esports Championship
  • Konung Kang Chingba #1 : Gallery
  • Manipur Iskcon's 25th Ratha Yatra 2025
  • Native Threshing machine made for farmers
  • COVID-19: Update 04 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Riso Ejang: Youth-led Transformation
  • Include males too in addressing HPV
  • Whispers from the past :: Poem
  • LPU opens permanent outreach centre
  • Raj Bhavan moving on the right track
  • Speculations over PM Modi's visit to state
  • Colonial Knowledge Production in NE #7
  • Make Yourself Visible to Opportunity
  • Orange bowl: tradition with ecological wisdom
  • 10 ways to keep a kitchen garden disease free
  • Between PR, military mandates & AFSPA
  • Allocation fund for MLALAD Fund during PR
  • Denounces Killing of KNA Deputy C-in-C
  • COVID-19: Update 03 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Cases of fake Aadhaar cards
  • Sincere dealing must for stricter Aadhaar
  • Archaeology: Culture of Manipur : Booklet
  • Wanna be a singer? Get Botox
  • A Central institute in Manipur
  • Nagging in the name of love
  • COVID-19: Update 02 July 2025 : Manipur
  • 'Benefits' of Indira's Emergency
  • Social Stigma :: Poem
  • Inking a peace pact: Why, how: SoO quagmire
  • Van Mahotsav under shadow of declining forest
  • 11th Th Kishan Memorial Lecture : Gallery
  • Manipur crisis & the Left media's blind spot
  • COVID-19: Update 01 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Bombom RK : Musclemania Universe NYC
  • The Grief :: Poem
  • Music Concert & Quiz (MCQ) 2.0
  • SoO agreement unlikely to be scrapped
  • Regulating use of plastic carry bags
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #4 : Gallery
  • International Day of Yoga @JNMDA : Gallery
  • BD Behring: The inimitable Gentleman I knew
  • Violence in the name of patriotism : Misguided
  • Daily oral vs long-acting injectable for HIV
  • COVID-19: Update 30 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Smile :: Poem
  • Why was President's Rule imposed ?
  • BJP under pressure to forge unity
  • Kang @Leikai in Imphal : Gallery
  • July Calendar for Year 2025 : Tools
  • COVID-19 : A recurring crisis in Manipur
  • DC Kaith and Forestry in Manipur : Book
  • COVID-19: Update 29 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Longing for Peace :: Poem
  • Black badge, slogan protest by peeved scribes
  • Present the true picture before Delhi
  • Pung-Cholom @ Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • Life: A Journey Through Thought & Being
  • Khongjai Hills & Kuki claim to indigeneity
  • Master Time by Managing Information
  • COVID-19: Update 28 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Pride & patriotism in CCpur's army families
  • The Power of Poppy - 87 :: Poem
  • World Decarbonisation Day: green environment
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #2 : Gallery
  • Loss of two precious lives from Manipur
  • Balancing civil liberties with public safety
  • COVID-19: Update 27 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Gender equality & human rights are indivisible
  • Stay hydrated this summer season
  • Silent Half of the Sun :: Poem
  • Connecting the dots in the wishlist
  • Assembly record tampering claims by ex-CM
  • The immortal legacy of Pukhramba Kajao
  • International Day against Drug Abuse 2025
  • COVID-19: Update 26 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Black pottery from Ukhrul - tribal heritage
  • Program on "Mission-Drug Free Campus"
  • Play makes a better world
  • Urgent Appeal to the Honourable MLAs
  • Tribal Empowerment Campaign at CCpur
  • Talk doing the round: PM to come
  • 'Emergency' relief for under-fire BJP
  • Golden Jubilee Art Fair @Imphal : Gallery
  • Declaration: Meetei People Convention, Delhi
  • A Flower Among the Rocks :: Review
  • Book Donation Campaign
  • Improved road connectivity boosts livelihoods
  • To Have Great Dreams :: Poem
  • COVID-19: Update 25 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Regret vs Sorry: Technical & moral insight
  • Cocktail of inept Govt, selfish people
  • State trailing others in cleanliness
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #6
  • UHI effect & rising temperatures in Manipur
  • Frequent road blockades cripple economy
  • COVID-19: Update 24 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Unite Health with Community health services
  • NSU, Imphal, tops IIRF Ranking 2025
  • Endless conflict :: Poem
  • Pak nobel pish prize for Trump
  • May 3, 2023 - June 24, 2025: Failure of Delhi
  • Hotter days, sudden rainfall no more a rarity
  • "The Great June Uprising" #2 : Gallery
  • How to Build a Career, Lead with Purpose
  • 2nd Foundation Day- Karnataka Meitei Assn
  • COVID-19: Update 23 June 2025 : Manipur
  • NSCN-IM Amnesty threatens to isolate it
  • Sunset :: Poem
  • Intl Yoga Day for a healthier environment
  • Of clogged drains and plastics
  • Poor roads testify Govt indifference
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #1 : Gallery
  • The Silent Erosion of Manipuri Language
  • Design health services around people
  • Serene Hills Host Inspiring Int'l Yoga Day
  • COVID-19: Update 22 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Chopper services between Senapati & Imphal
  • High Court Judges interacted with convicts
  • Redyeing the Fabric :: Poem
  • Differences yet to be resolved stand
  • Border fencing rage as solution eludes
  • Radio E-pao: 14 new songs updated
  • Climate Adaptive Agroforestry
  • Manipur overlooked demographic shifts
  • Young designers shine on Fashion Stage
  • COVID-19: Update 21 June 2025 : Manipur
  • International Day of Yoga at Lamphelpat
  • International Day of Yoga at JNMDA
  • The Power of Poppy - 86 :: Poem
  • Keishampat Lairembi Haraoba #1 : Gallery
  • Crisis in Manipur's Contemporary Education
  • Best 8 Performances in Manipuri Cinema
  • Identity: Caught between China & India ?
  • COVID-19: Update 20 June 2025 : Manipur
  • To The Father Who Listens :: Poem
  • How does net suspension affect youths ?
  • Targeting farmers to cripple state's economy
  • The virus is back and spreading
  • Who is afraid of Manipur ?
  • A threatened lily growing at Shirui Hills
  • World Environment Day in Manipur : Gallery
  • Ambubachi Mela at Maa Kamakhya
  • COVID-19: Update 19 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Dolls made from repurposed vegetable refuse
  • Condemns Attack on Farmer & Killing
  • Abhorrent politics of SoO
  • Police arrogance on harmless drivers
  • "The Great June Uprising" #1 : Gallery
  • UK Meetei diaspora run for Myanmar : Gallery
  • Thang-Ta Day @Khuman Lampak #3 : Gallery
  • 50 years of Pebet #2 : Gallery
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • Protest @Checkon -AT arrest [Jun 9] : Gallery
  • Protests - AT arrest [Jun 8 night] : Gallery
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #1 : Gallery
  • /li>
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #2 : Gallery
  • North East NSS Festival @ MU : Gallery
  • Trump's tariff legacy & its global echo
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #3 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #2 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #1 : Gallery
  • S Nirupama @Miss Universe : Gallery
  • Protesters to Raj Bhavan [May 25]: Gallery
  • Human Chain @Airport road [May 26]: Gallery
  • Miss Shirui Pageant Contestant: Gallery
  • 48 hrs Bandh: protest security forces: Gallery
  • Protest Rally: Journalist harassment: Gallery
  • HSLC 2025: Full Result (Check Roll No)
  • HSLC 2025: Important Info & Grading System
  • HSLC 2025 : Compartmental candidates
  • HSLC 2025 : Comparative Statement
  • HSLC 2025 : Statistical Abstract
  • HSLC 2025 : District Pass Percentage
  • HSLC 2025 : Govt School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Aided School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Private School Pass %
  • People's Convention on 3rd May #2 : Gallery
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2025 #2: Gallery
  • Riya Khwairakpam : HSE Science Topper
  • Keisham Hannah : HSE Arts Topper
  • Warepam Lidia : HSE Commerce Topper
  • HSE 2025 Result : Science Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Arts Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Commerce Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Information / Abbreviation
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Science
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Arts
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Commerce
  • HSE 2025 : Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2025 : Result Abstract
  • HSE 2025 : Candidates with Highest Marks
  • President's Rule in Manipur : 1967 - 2025
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025