Simar said:
avohra said:
Simar said:
What problem do you have with the guitar? Or more directly, with our team?
No Problem at all, I jsut think you guys are talented bunch of guys which can do much better than just using a guitar as gimmick. no offence to any of the teams.
The guitar isn't a gimmic. For God's sake have some respect, the brothers we have playing guitar for us work very hard and have worked at their art for over many years. How can you expect anyone to respect our art if we are unable to respect others'?
Ashveer made a great point; the Vajaa was introduced to the punjab area through British colonisation. Kirtan was traditionally done using the Pakhawaj or Tabla, and the Dilruba - NOT the Vajaa. I guess that means we have to overhaul Kirtan now, and compeletly ignore the message and feeling that is relayed REGARDLESS of the instrument being used.
As for tradition vs. progression - they both NEED each other. You can't progress without knowing where you've been, you can't evolve without having experienced the prior, and you cannot remain traditional and distinct without something to always compare against.
It's hybridity and cultural exchange. Some of the pioneers of bhangra - Heera, Alaap, Apna Sangeet, XLNC - they used guitar and rock rifts to allow our culture to blossom in the UK, and become internationally formidable. This is how our culture has thrived, by staying true to roots while incorporating cultures around us. Look at Sukhshinder Shinda and RDB - a majority of their productions are ripped from hip-hop, house, and rock. And a lot of what comes out of India nowadays is synthesized dhol and tumbi on European-generated production equipment. But the majority of bhangra enthusiasts have no idea or don't care; music thrives to mix and mingle, and if it creates the feeling its intended to that's the goal. Why make a big deal of it?
Bhangra ITSELF is a hybrid: Dhamal, Jhumar, Daankara, Luddi, Julli, Saami, Kikli, and even Gatka to name a few. Imagine if they had competitions in the old days; "This is a Dhamal competition, and those teams used Daankara rhythms! It's the end of the friggin world!" And how come nowadays no one plays a Been when they perform Luddi? I have personally never witnessed a team play the Been or the Nagara live. I rarely even see teams with a Tumbi or Alghoze. It's all done through CD players now, and mixes that are generated from computers and production software. Real traditional.
Bhangra is a form of music, and a form of dance. As a form of music, it can relay the same feeling and passion on instruments that aren't traditionally used. As a form of dance, it can relay the same feeling and passion over music that isn't traditionally used.
If you can't bhangra over hip-hop or rock, and you can't play your taals and raags on all instruments, then your passion is constrained. My team has passion, we love expressing it in any and all ways we can, and we love instilling passion and excitement in those who support us.
As for the actual competition - that Laal Bhag Judge was, in my opinion, a sexist, a fascist, and a straight-up ignorant fool. He actually had the nerve to harass my little bro Jessy over not breathing properly while performing, and had no idea how much asthma can affect an athlete. Are you kidding me?? He personally chatted with me and Gagan afterwards, and mentioned that Gagan shouldn't ever play dhol without a turban on. What kind of retardation is that? Does that have anything to do with skill at the dhol? Sufi dholis are amongst the greatest in the world and they don't necessarily wear turbans. Rajasthani dholis don't always necessarily wear turbans. Even PUNJABI dholis don't ALWAYS wear turbans. Where is the thought process behind that? Here's an idea Mr. Judge: read a book on medical conditions that commonly affect athletes, and go visit Punjab instead of sipping earl grey over here in Canada.
I think PFA should have won first place, and I'm shocked that they were even tied for third place; they performed with enthusiasm, had a great reaction, put forth a full effort, and were incredibly coordinated throughout. Their outfits were slick as well. Across all of the judging categories, I believe they stood out from everyone else. Im not sure how 2nd or 3rd should have worked out; although, it would be a good idea to have enough trophies for everyone if youre going to give a place to more than one team. :/
As for the criteria - how about adding marks for creativity instead of docking for "not being traditional." Wasn't "creation of moves/steps" one of the categories? And he contradicted his whole sexist rant about girls "not doing guys' moves" and "respecting khunde" by placing first an all girls' team that danced to "Chak Dow" with khunde. Kinda weird. If you're gonna state something, stand by it. I stand by the fact that the Judge was a total fucking jackass.
I hated that kids were crying due to jeers from other kids motivated by grown-ups, and grown-ups were throwing fists on-stage at a "professional" competition. This shiet has got to stop,; it's unbelievable seeing as how everyone's goal is to maintain the culture. We're all figuring it out at the same time: So stay focussed on the energy, the artistry, the hard work, and the expression of the individual; whatever the instrument, the style, the story... That's the one thing about bhangra that's stayed constant throughout time - and that's what bhangra is all about.
