Preetty Chambugong Marak

Shillong, Feb 6: Meghalaya’s music enthusiast Anon Cheran Momin says, “Music is my heartbeat.” Anon has been nominated for the 17th Asian Film Award Academy for “Best Original Music”. Born and brought up in Meghalaya, Anon originally hails from North Garo Hills, he did his schooling at St. Anthony’s Higher Secondary School and later studied Computer Science Engineering at Shillong Polytechnic. He got his BA degree in Fine Arts from Martin Luther Christian University and is currently pursuing his studies at Vienna Music Institute in Vienna, Austria.

Anon kick-started his music career with the movie ‘Rapture’, where he and Dominic Sangma both were nominated for the Original Music and Best Director award respectively. The event is scheduled to take place in Hong Kong on March 10, 2024.

Speaking about all this, Anon says, “I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude, giving all the glory and honour to God and dada Dominic Sangma, who allowed me to work with him. The moment Dada Dominic shared the news of me being nominated I was filled with emotion as I never envisioned myself in this position so the acknowledgement and recognition from the Asian Film Award Academy was a delightful surprise. I can never thank God enough”.

ALSO READ: From memories to dreams: Dominic Sangma uses his past to pave the way to his future

This comment was made during an exclusive interview with Meghalaya Times, the excerpts of which are:

What first got you into music?

ACM. Music became my heartbeat from a very young age. At just 12 years old, I dove into the world of melodies by playing bass in my local church. This early exposure ignited my passion and set the stage for my musical journey. At 16, I took a leap into professional music education, honing my skills on the piano at Arnest Memorial Music School for a triennial. However, my musical education didn’t stop there; I continued to expand my repertoire through self-teaching, exploring and experimenting with various instruments and genres.

Since you started at a young age, who was your inspiration?

ACM. My primary source of inspiration comes from my own household. Both of my elder brothers Evangel and Ambasal are accomplished musicians, and witnessing their musical journey has been a constant motivator for me. From the moment I saw them perform on stage, I knew I wanted to follow in their footsteps. The shared passion for music created a unique bond, and soon we found ourselves playing together in our local church. Their influence has been instrumental in shaping my musical identity, and to this day, the collaborative energy we bring to the stage continues to fuel my love for music. And, of course, I can’t overlook the unwavering support from my family, especially my parents. Their encouragement and understanding have been instrumental in allowing me to pursue my dreams and ambitions. Their prayers and constant remembrance are not just a source of strength but also a profound inspiration for me. I’m deeply grateful for their support, and it’s their love that propels me forward on this journey.”

Who or what inspired you to come up with the music that was nominated for the award?

ACM. Honestly speaking, for this music, I didn’t have a specific inspiration. However, I hold great admiration for Dada Dominic’s work, and working alongside him has been a source of continuous inspiration. Dada Dominic has played a pivotal role in my growth, both as a musician and as an individual. His encouragement, guidance, and constant push for improvement have contributed significantly to my development. ‘Rapture’ marks our third major project together and the second feature film collaboration, following ‘Ma.ama’. Our collaborations extend beyond the professional realm; we often engage in discussions about the philosophy of life, share ideas, and explore creative concepts. One of the best aspects of working with Dada Dominic is that while he provides valuable advice, he also allows for creative freedom, fostering an environment without limitations.

What do you think makes this music unique?

ACM. I wouldn’t label it as unique music per se. When Dada Dominic Sangma approached me to compose music for ‘Rapture,’ he had a specific vision in mind. He wanted the music to steer away from Western influences and embrace a more folk and traditional essence. This posed a challenge for me, given the limited availability of well-equipped traditional instruments in our cultural context. However, I soon realized that the beauty of music lies not only in perfection but in the distinctive sound, tonality, and texture of the instruments used. Throughout the process of composing and recording, there were both challenges and triumphs. Despite the limitations, the music resonated well, and I found immense satisfaction in knowing that the end result was not only to my liking but also garnered approval from the director himself.

Tell us about your creative process.

ACM. The process for the music score began with Dada Dominic sharing a fascinating movie concept with me, depicting a village in disarray where people are bewildered and unsure of what to do. This chaos in the village is meant to reflect the complexity of our modern lives, where some notice the nature of things, while others remain oblivious. I found myself inspired by this narrative during a late-night session at my piano. As I delved into the process, it felt like every tune and melody was naturally falling into place. Despite facing limitations in equipment and lacking the necessary software, I collaborated with my friend Taidy, and together we worked until the early hours of the morning to create a foundational demo. Upon completion, I shared the demo with the director, who gave the green light to proceed with recording the full set of instruments. This recording took place with Bah Julius Basaiawmoit at Prodigi Recording Studio, helping me out on playing the instruments Batlador Khongnoh on Flute, and Pioustian Singtang Marak on dotrong and Nagra. The final touch to the music, including the mixing and mastering, was handled by Vineet from Mumbai who also served as the sound designer for the entire movie ‘Rapture’.

Any positive/negative responses you received for this music?

ACM. So far, the responses have been positive. The music has resonated well with audiences beyond our community. It’s heartening to see the appreciation pouring in from various quarters, and I am grateful for the positive feedback. One aspect that brings me immense joy is the opportunity to showcase our traditional and cultural instruments through music. It allows people from different parts of the country to experience and appreciate the richness of our heritage. The positive responses serve as encouragement to continue exploring and sharing our cultural treasures through the medium of music.

How do you describe the music that you typically create?

ACM. The music I create is primarily in the form of a movie score, commonly referred to as an Original Sound Track or OST. In crafting these soundtracks, my focus is on composing the music to enhance the emotions, scenes, and overall narrative of the film.

Where have you performed? Any upcoming songs?

ACM. I’ve had the privilege of performing both individually and as the ex-keyboardist of the Band Rum and Monkeys. My musical journey has taken me to various music festivals, concerts, radio stations, TV channels, government events, cafes and weddings in different states of India. At the moment, my main focus is on learning, improving, and shaping myself as an artist. Additionally, I’m enthusiastically working on several original compositions. Nevertheless, I’m not ready to unveil specific details just yet.

Being a music composer, what skills do you think you need the most?

ACM. Being a music composer requires a diverse skill set. Firstly, an openness to various musical genres is crucial. Listening to a wide range of music can draw inspiration from different styles, which adds depth and versatility to the compositions. Observation is another vital skill. Understanding the surrounding environment helps me capture the mood and essence of a scene, enabling me to create music. Moreover, having a fundamental knowledge of music theory and musical instruments is essential. It not only allows me to communicate effectively with musicians during the collaborative process but also provides a strong foundation for structuring compositions, harmonizing melodies, and ensuring the coherence of the overall musical piece.

What advice do you have for others who want to make a name for themself?

ACM. I may not be an expert in giving advice, but I believe it’s crucial to step out of your comfort zone. Embrace boldness, try new things, and explore different environments. Work hard in what you love to do and you’ll bear the fruits in it. Always strive to be the best version of yourself. Importantly, express gratitude for the journey, acknowledging both challenges and blessings and never forgetting to thank God. Moreover, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the people who have been involved in this project. Without their support, this endeavour would not have been possible. The collaborative effort and encouragement from others play a significant role in bringing creative projects to fruition.

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Nov 9: BJP leader and cabinet minister AL Hek has informed that the list of the new state executive members is awaiting the approval of the central leadership.

“This morning I spoke to the newly elected president Rikman G Momin, who is on the way to Delhi with a list for the approval of the central leaders. After getting the approval, they will publish the names of the new state executive members of the party,” Hek told reporters.

On the party’s preparation for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Hek said that his name is among the three ticket aspirants for the Shillong parliamentary seat.

“However, I don’t know who the other two names are. So we will see who from the three names will be the best choice for contesting from Shillong parliamentary seat,” he said while adding “Among the three, whoever will be chosen, we will have to work hard and ensure win in this upcoming Lok Sabha election.”

On TMC leader and former chief minister Mukul Sangma joining the BJP, Hek however said the door of the BJP is not only open to TMC but also to all political parties.

“Mukul Sangma can join at any time he wants. I welcome him anytime but we have not discussed so how will I know if he is joining or not. But for us the door is open to anybody who wants to come to the BJP,” he said.

Hek also said that he has no idea on whether Mukul Sangma is in touch or not with the BJP central leadership.

BJP leader and cabinet minister AL Hek on Friday asserted the need for the reservation policy to give priority to the vulnerable section of the society in the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo Hills region.

“If you ask me, everybody should get justice. Why not now the job reservation policy give priority to the vulnerable society of Khasi, Jaintia and Garo and also some percentage for the established families (of the three tribes). However, 50 per cent should be reserved for Khasi, Jaintia and Garo from the vulnerable section of the society,” Hek told reporters.

He added, “Let this also come out why only think about rich people. Give a chance to the poorest of the poor also (so that they can) at least stand on their feet, have their own position, and look after their family very well.”

Hek said, “Now we are getting 40:40 (from this), we will make it 50 per cent for the vulnerable society of Khasi, Jaintia and Garo and another 30 per cent of which 15 per cent will go Khasi-Jaintia and 15 per cent to Garo. What is wrong as all 80 per cent will go to our own community only. By doing this, the benefit will come to the poor people of the state of Meghalaya who are the tribal people.”

He said there are so many poor people who from generation to generation, their family were not given the opportunity to get a government job.

As far as the implementation of the roster system is concerned, Hek said he had convened a meeting with all senior BJP leaders to discuss this issue.

“We have not called entire leaders of BJP who are from Jaintia Hills, Garo Hills but only few leaders who are stationed in Shillong. Now, we have decided and told our president Ernest Mawrie also yesterday that we want this meeting to be called immediately with all the members including from Garo Hills, Jaintia Hills to discuss this sensitive issue which is prevailing in this present situation in the state of Meghalaya,” he said.

Further, the BJP leader also referred to the deputy chief minister Prestone Tynsong’s statement that the government had filed an affidavit three times before the High Court for implementing the roster prospectively and said, “So the government has taken initiative on this issue.”

He said that they expect the chief minister to call the cabinet meeting anytime to discuss this sensitive issue.

Staff Reporter

Shillong, March 15: BJP leader and Cabinet Minister Alexander Laloo Hek met Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology of India Jitendra Singh at his residence and discussed the all-round development of the state of Meghalaya.

ALSO READ: CUET exemption for Meghalaya? MDA 2.0 awaiting Centre’s response

Hek also met Union Minister of Tourism and DONER Kishan Reddy at his office chamber in New Delhi and discussed the need to promote the eco-tourism cum fish sanctuary in Meghalaya and also to promote model rural tourism village cluster development which will create employment and will attract tourism in the rural areas at the village level and also to promote health tourism through traditional Medicines

Meanwhile, Hek also met the BJP national general secretary (organization) BL Santosh and discussed the party organization in Meghalaya and also preparation for the upcoming Lok Sabha election.

Staff Reporter

Shillong, March 11: Minister in charge of animal husbandry and veterinary A.L Hek asserted his top priority is to make Meghalaya self-sufficient in meat production.

Speaking to media persons, Hek said that the majority of the population in Meghalaya consumes meat but everyone knows there is a huge gap between supply and demand hence there is a need to come out with ways and means to make the state self-sufficient in meat production.

Hek informed that after he was appointed as minister in charge of animal husbandry and veterinary he immediately called for an informal meeting with senior officers of the department to understand the organizational structure of the department.

“In order to make Meghalaya self-sufficient in meat production, the department will need to come out with various interventions whether it is for production of pork, beef, chicken or mutton,” said Hek.

Hek said that since he is new in the department he has not yet reviewed on the implementation of the Piggery Mission but soon he will seek information from the officers to get more knowledge on how the mission works so that the state becomes self-sufficient.

He added that he does not want to comment much on the alleged cattle smuggling as he doesn’t know about the modus operandi of the cattle smuggling but he will have an in-depth discussion with all officers on the particular issue.

Staff Reporter

Shillong, March 7: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has decided that the cabinet berth will be shared between the two of its MLAs – Alexander Laloo Hek and Sanbor Shullai.

The decision came a day before Hek was sworn in as cabinet minister in the Conrad K Sangma-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA-2) government.

In a letter to the NPP Chief, the BJP state president Ernest Mawrie said, “The party and its MLAs have symbiotically agreed to allow AL Hek to hold the berth for the first two and a half years which will end on August 7, 2025, following which Sanbor Shullai will hold the cabinet berth for the remaining term. Both the MLAs are hereby asked to respect and abide by the decision of the party and work mutually to ensure good governance and also to ensure check and balance.”

“Thus, I request your esteemed office to kindly honour the decision of the party and ensure both the MLAs get equal opportunity considering their seniority and support to your government,”  he added.

BJP Meghalaya In-charge Dr M Chuba Ao along with Hek and Shullai were also signatories of the letter submitted to the NPP chief.

After attending the swearing-in ceremony of the 12-member council of ministers, Shullai told reporters that this time an official agreement to share the cabinet berth between the two MLAs was made in the presence of the party leaders unlike in the last term which was only a “verbal agreement”.

“Besides the chief minister, the letter was also sent to the BJP national president JP Nadda and general secretary Rituraj Sinha,” he said.

Shullai said he does not have any problem waiting for his turn to take over as cabinet minister after 2 and a half years.

On his role in the government, the former cabinet minister said, “It will depend on the prerogative of the chief minister. I will accept anything for the interest of the people of my constituency.”