IMPHAL, December 28: `Matam Eshei Amashug Aei`™, a book on Manipuri modern music, written by Aribam Syam Sharma was released here today morning at the Shri Shri Gopaldev Mandap, Thangmeiband Lourungpurel Leikai.
Speaking at the function, B Jayantakumar pointed out that the book can be termed as an authentic documentation of Manipuri modern songs from the beginning of its journey till it thrived by occupying a unique space in the socio-cultural landscape of the region.
He maintained that his statement is sufficed by the fact that the book has been written by Syam Sharma, who had embarked on the said journey as one of the pioneers.
The release function was graced by ethnomusicologist, Laishram Birendrakumar, noted historian and scholar, RK Jhalajit, noted writer and lyricist B Jayantakumar Sharma and Gurumayum Surjit, the first music recordist of the State. A host of artists and writers were also present at the occasion.
Writer of the book, Syam Sharma stated that the book is dedicated to all those artists, musicians, lyricist and singers namely N Pahari, G Robindro, N Ekendra, K Jaminikanta, S Ibopishak, A Tombisana, A Budhachandra, A Shyam, Khun Joykumar and other renown singers of yesteryears, and to those who are still serving the people through music.
Syam Sharma recalled that Manipuri modern song was an offshoot of young artists during the 1950s who wanted to express their feelings with a different style and content. It was a new wave of youthful artists, who sought for an idiom besides the traditional Pena, Khongjom Parva and Sankirtan, he said.
He maintained that Manipuri theatre served as bedrock in shaping the new idiom of song. By the term `modern`™ one should not be mistaken that the songs were all about romance, but there were songs of patriotism and devotion to God, he added.
A devotional song written by Huidrom Bharat, composed by Syam Sharma was also presented by the artists of Roop Rag, which was led by Kongkham Birkumar.