Arun Nayak Mukund (right) plays a synthesizer during the 37th National Women’s Sports Festival in Ranchi on November 28. Picture by Hardeep Singh

Call it the sounds of change.

Love it or hate it, folk musicians of the state are using non-tribal instruments such as the keyboard along with traditional ones such as dhol, mandar and nagada to jazz up their ageless repertoire.

Chutia-based Arun Nayak Mukund, with 10 more tribal musicians, is trying to fuse “modern elements” into indigenous numbers and woo the youth. He claims he does not care if purists scoff at him as the end result is “very melodious”.

At the recent inaugural ceremony of the 37th National Women’s Sports Festival held at mega sports complex, Hotwar, these musicians were seen drumming on the keyboard with panache.

“For the past one month, I started using the keyboard to showcase Nagpuri folk songs. It brings out the rhythm in vocals and tunes. The lyrics sound appealing and melodious. At the same time, we aren’t abandoning tribal musical instruments that are our mainstays,” Mukund said, calling himself the first tribal to do so.

Mukund added that he became interested in the keyboard after listening to orchestra teams. “Something new need not be something bad. Now, I’m using the keyboard in all the events I am invited to, within the state and outside, in my recent concerts in Delhi and Himachal Pradesh,” he said.

Flautist Kamlesh Kacchap added that there was no harm if new elements were added to tribal folk music.

“Unless some changes are made, we will lose our place among the present-day music buffs,” he added.

He admitted that only using tribal instruments had no mass appeal.

“Many people feel it’s just beating of drums. The keyboard adds lilt and charm to Nagpuri songs,” he added.

The group has come out with 10 Nagpuri albums in fusion form as well. “We are getting a good response from music lovers. The music arrangement, beats and rhythms are different,” said another flautist Madhu Mansuri Hasmukh.

He also placed popularity over generic purity.

“We want to change the concept of tribal songs. Only using tribal instruments don’t go down well with the masses. We don’t wish to keep our music confined to certain section. It should charm the ears of everyone,” he said.

However Dilip Toppo, a well-known tribal artist associated with folk art groups, begs to differ. “These musicians are hurrying the process of change. They are interfering with tribal music by tampering with its roots,” he said.

Will the keyboard rob the essence of tribal music? The jury is out on that one.

Do you like instrumental innovations in tribal music ? Tell ttkhand@abpmail.com