By Ujjwal RoyKolkata (West Bengal) [India], November 21 (ANI): Of people music, it’s rightly stated that it transcends all borders — be it cultural, linguistic and geographical. And, who is aware of this higher than one of many greatest exponents of Bengali people music, Padma Shri recipient Pandit Purna Das Baul.
At 89 and happening 90, the person extensively acknowledged to have taken Bengal’s ‘Baul’ (minstrel) melodies to the world stage, was bestowed the title ‘Baul Samrat’ (emperor of Baul music) by the nation’s first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, manner again in 1967.
Over the course of an illustrious musical profession, Purna Das Baul has carried out in as many as 168 international locations. These embody South Korea, China, Australia, Germany, Ireland, Iran and the US, amongst others.
Much like his music, his followers transcend territories and his contribution to taking Bengal’s earthy melodies to world has gained him awards galore, each Indian and worldwide, most notably the ‘Padma Shri’.
Speaking to ANI, Purna Das Baul stated his solely purpose in his life is to take the ‘Baul’ music to as many international locations as doable.
“‘Baul’ is not a small thing, it is a very deep concept. My family has always held the belief that whatever we do, we have to do it in Bengali as language represents our native soil. I have performed in 168 countries. I have sung, danced and played instruments as well during my stage shows,” Purna Das instructed ANI.
“The first time I took Baul music abroad, I received great response as the people had not heard anything like that before. They did not need to know or speak the language (Bengali) to understand and appreciate the depth and richness of Baul songs. Even people who don’t speak or understand a word of Bengali danced to this form of folk music with me,” he stated.
‘I need to take this ‘Baul’ music to as many international locations as doable. I’ve even carried out for much less pay as my objective has at all times been to advertise the ‘Baul’ tradition. Promoting this tradition on the world stage not solely raises world consciousness on India’s cultural ethos and traditions but in addition boosts Indian financial system by way of better cultural alternate with different international locations,” the legendary people musician added.
He known as on the following era of ‘Baul’ singers to hold ahead his legacy of taking engali people music to the farthest corners of the globe. “I would also request the future generations to carry forward our 600-year-old Baul culture and music,” Purna Das added.
In simply one in every of his best accomplishments, this revered exponent of ‘Baul’ music was known as ‘India’s Bob Dylan’ by The New York Times. The each day ran an article on the ‘Baul’ legend through which he was in comparison with the American people icon.
By that point, Purna Das Baul had gained world acclaim peforming Bengal’s songs of the soil earlier than packed audiences and even collaborating with world-renowned musicians from the West.
If ‘Lalon Fakir’ is the primary ‘Baul King’ then Purna Das was effectively and really the one who gave Bengal’s minstrel music a worldwide id.
Purna Das additionally added a western fusion factor to ‘Baul’ music, which was extensively accepted and appreciated by fellow musicians and the worldwide viewers.
Speaking to ANI, Dibyendu Das Baul, the son of Purna Das, stated people music cuts throughout linguistic obstacles because it comes from inside.
“Language doesn’t matter for folk artistes. All over the world, folk music speaks the same language — the language of the soul. Just as the first sound of a newborn is the same across the world, so is folk music. My father has performed in 168 countries. He has travelled to the US nearly 50 times and even has his own university there. Even I have travelled to about 90 countries. Language doesn’t matter for folk music. It doesn’t even need translations. I saw two women members of audience crying in France when we were performing a sad Baul number,” he stated.
Purna Das changed into a cult determine throughout his eight-month tour of the US in 1965. On that tour, he received to share the stage with world music icons reminiscent of Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Paul Robeson, Mick Jagger, Tina Turner, and plenty of extra.
He collaborated with Bob Marley, Gordon Lightfoot and Mahalia Jackson whereas getting the Rolling Stones frontman jam with him and sing a ‘Baul’ music.
Purna Das introduced a brand new twist to the orginal ‘Baul Gaan’ (Baul music) by fusing components of Western Jazz to it.
He instructed ANI that he introduced collectively an array of music icons for a collaborative mission, with ‘Baul’ music being central to it. He stated his sons Krishnendu, Subhendu and Dibyendu had been additionally a part of the projct.
The Indo-Western fusion elevated Baul music to an all new degree.
His Baul band ‘Khyapa’ unveiled its fusion songs on the US Folk-Rock-Jazz-Reggae Fest in 2002. It was adopted by a grand tour of the US and Japan and concert events in New Jersey, New York and Los Angeles.
The legacy of Purna Das Baul has been carried ahead by the later generations of Baul artistes, whereas additionally giving rise to world ‘Baul’ bands. One of them — ‘Baul Bishwa’ — carried out on the well-known French Theatre de la Ville of Paris. The group, led by eighth-generation Baul artiste Bapi Das, has carried out at a number of locations all over the world.
Purna Das Baul additionally collaborated with British musician Sam Mills to provide a ‘Baul fusion’ for a worldwide viewers.
What was began by Purna Das Baul many years again and took Bengal’s Baul songs to a worldwide viewers, nonetheless continues to carry its personal and transcend all divides. (ANI)