Babu Susan, a remarkable tribal and folk musician from the quaint village of Aranivattam in Thiruvannamalai, has devoted his life to the preservation and revival of musical traditions that have long been hidden in the shadows of time. A virtuoso capable of playing over 50 instruments, Babu’s expertise spans an extraordinary range—from the ancient instruments once resonating within the hallowed walls of South Indian temples, to the rhythmically vibrant instruments of Africa. His mission is clear: to safeguard these forgotten and underappreciated artforms, breathing life back into music that, for too long, has been pushed aside due to its unfamiliarity or undervalued aesthetic.
Babu’s deep connection with music began at an early age, as he was drawn to the rustic, earthy sound of the Morsing, a traditional folk instrument. This instrument served as his gateway into the world of folk music, igniting a passion that would later evolve into a lifelong journey of mastering a diverse array of instruments, each with its own unique cultural significance. His unwavering commitment to these ancient artforms is fueled by the desire to prevent them from fading into obscurity, ensuring that they continue to be heard, appreciated, and celebrated by future generations.
However, this journey has not been without its challenges. Time and again, Babu finds himself judged before he even steps on stage—not for his musical abilities, but for the unfamiliarity of the instruments he brings, the traditional attire he dons, and the very essence of the sounds he produces. In a world dominated by mainstream music, Babu’s instruments, steeped in cultural heritage, are often met with skepticism and a lack of understanding. He faces the heavy burden of having to constantly prove the value of his craft, not only through his performances but through the passion and resilience that drive him to keep these artforms alive. The clout and mystique surrounding his instruments often lead others to question whether they belong in the modern lineup of performances, placing an undue burden on him to justify their presence.
Despite these hurdles, Babu remains steadfast in his mission to transcend these boundaries. His goal is not only to preserve these musical traditions but to allow them to flourish, reaching audiences beyond their historical and geographic roots. He believes that music should not be limited by borders, traditions, or biases; instead, it should serve as a universal language that connects people across cultures and generations.
Inspired by the legendary composer Ilaiyaraaja's vision of a world where every child is handed an instrument to nurture their creativity and explore their innate love for music, Babu dreams of a future where music becomes a fundamental part of every individual’s life. He is actively working toward this dream, striving to introduce these ancient instruments to a global audience, ensuring that the artforms he so passionately champions can evolve and thrive. His ultimate hope is that these long-overlooked instruments and the cultural stories they carry will not only be preserved but celebrated on an international stage, allowing people from all walks of life to experience the transformative power of music.
In doing so, Babu Susan seeks to bridge the gap between past and present, between tradition and modernity, and between cultures, by ensuring that the voices of these musical artforms, silenced for too long, are heard and appreciated far beyond their origins. His journey is not just about playing instruments; it is about preserving history, culture, and identity, and sharing that heritage with the world in a way that is both meaningful and inspiring. He envisions a world where music is not confined by societal expectations or cultural limitations, but where it flows freely and connects every soul it touches.
Comments
Post a Comment