Folk Fusion Band! The ‘A Capella’ group gradually became a group with a backing band when the immaculate flutist, Benedict joined the group.
Music is a hiding place, we often surmise the places it takes us, for a lot of us, it is a safe haven, an escape from reality, a place of comfort, a saving grace. It is the genuine love for music at the very first note, that brought together the members of ‘THE VOICES’, led by founding member, Ronnie, to form an ‘A Capella’ group, which then slowly grew to see some changes with more members joinin
g in. Through the years of their togetherness, it’s safe to say that the members of ‘THE VOICES’ have evolved, achieved and established themselves to reach great heights, surpassing great lengths beyond the borders of Meghalaya. It’s true, you grow and manifest from wherever you’re planted, and as easy as it is to forget where you come from, it’s easier to completely neglect it. But it takes a lot of respect, appreciation and love, to involve your roots and your heritage, into your music.
“THE Voices“ is a true example of a group that personifies the perfect Blend between “ Khasi fold and fusion” with a tinge of pop . Building loyal fans and followers from across the country, along the lines of memorable performances, the managers of the Voices have earned themselves their rightful spot in the music fraternity. Their musical journey began in the year 1995, slowly paving ways and paths in the years that followed, with numerous performances across the country. The group went on to change and declare the new moniker of the band, at the Miss Shillong Beauty Pageant 2003, from ‘THE VOICES’ to ‘VOICES - NA RYMPEI’, which means, “FROM THE HEARTH”, standing firm in their roots and beliefs, redefining their journey and expression in music, embracing the styles and diversity of traditional music, by incorporating them into theirs.
“VOICES – NA RYMPEI” then went on to release their first album in the year 2005, entitled, “NA LA RYMPEI”, a redefinition of “Khasi Music” that truly captured the essence of Khasi folk fusion with a touch of soul and pop. The album carried on to become a great success, selling more than 11 thousand copies in the following years. The band later on decided to drop “VOICES” from the name “VOICES – NA RYMPEI” to “NA RYMPEI”, which has remained the constant permanent name, till date. It’s fair to say that with the uprising western influences and culture, usually, if not always, result in the negligence of your own heritage, your own roots, your own style, your own personality, ‘NA RYMPEI’ separate themselves from the herd, by mainly focusing on their original music, stepping back and embracing what inspires them most, folk music. Their main goal is to move away from doing what’s been done too many times before, to focusing on what’s rooted within.
