| Music, though universal, must have some limitations mostly
in the third world countries, as far as the western music is concerned. Music appeals to
everyone in this world, though varied culture represents or expresses varied music,
basically their own. Coming from the roots, western world created their own, which has an
immense following around the world through different media, record companies and lately
through Cable TV Network, western music is catching the imagination of the people of
different cultural groups.
Root music expressed, by varied
cultural groups, speak of the same language, and meaning everywhere. But in this ever
changing world, this root expression has also been taking a turn from the day it has set
its foot on the road to success. Basic changes in the instruments has been affected
throughout the world especially from the 60's through 70's, and the change/development is
still going on everywhere. Considering western world to be at the top of the hills,
whatever runs down is usually stuck either in the middle or at the bottom of the hills
where the second or third world resides. So far, everything ranging from a fork to jeans
has been rolling down the hill and has been received in the middle or at the bottom of the
hill gleefully by the third world, the rest in the form of language intermingled with all
its variation including music, followed suit slowly but steadily.
Thus, the cultural structure
obviously has been changing music along with it, the root instruments replaced by the
instruments from the top of the hill, the western ones slowly taking root in different
cultures ranging from Asia to Africa. Bangladesh, being one of the countries in Asia, has
also been affected by this effervescent intrusion. 'Ak tara' and 'dotara' have already
been replaced by guitar, keyboards, slowly overpowering harmonium and 'drums' doing the
same to 'tabla'. With the inclusion of intruding instruments, the vocal expression has
also been changing, the big cultural tradition slowly breaking down into so many cultural
groups, as bands these days, strapping guitars and banging drums, people are singing in
two different languages, both in English and Bangla. Numerous groups of listeners and
viewers followed the scene all over the country, finally bringing in sponsors to tap it.
Emulating the happening in the
western countries sponsors like "Benson and Hedges", "Coca Cola" and
"Pepsi" have came out with various ideas. "Benson and Hedges" in
particular had a different idea from the rest of them in the way that they wanted to shake
the very roots of the youngsters by bringing them out to be exposed as young, up and
coming musicians and surges through various competitive programmes. Established musicians
and singers were not far away from this scene too, the sponsors of western music in
Bangladesh having given them ample opportunities to perform at par, the whole musical
extravaganza growing at a steady rate. The opportunities or conveniences paid out to the
young generations have been so generous that it has generated a tremendous interest with
growing exuberance across the country, paving a way for even small time musicians to grow
in confidence and stature and ultimately carving out a good future for themselves as well
as for the future of music on the whole in the country.
The music industry is slowly
burgeoning in this country though the label "industry" is yet to open up its
arms to the people in a proper professional manner. Having undernourished professionalism
at a very nascent stage, the whole structure calls for improvement/change too. The
impoverished standard of music can partly be blamed for the growth in the industry at a
snail's pace, making room for some bands in the country to present the music lovers with
distorted copies from the west. The development in the listeners' taste, gave the viewers
alike a vague and false senses of satisfaction most of the times. Some established bands,
on the other hand, are trying to come out with original compositions though these are
limited in number.
Overall development, therefore, is
essential in the music scene, starting the younger generation. Sponsors can play a vital
role here by filling the void which is what some of them are doing right now with various
planned programmes. Long term plan can be drawn by sponsors so that the younger people,
through regular exposure, can benefit most, luring the experienced hands to help the
juniors at the same time.
Meanwhile, bands of all kinds
including prospective solo performers are mushrooming in the country, misdirected, having
no opportunity to perform anywhere. despite their talents. Since this music scene is
slowly blossoming, these young talents must have some opportunity to perform and sponsors
of music should come up with some more enterprising programmes for the growth of talent in
the country.
- Omar Khalid Rumi |
