"Music is the common language of the soul. In today’s conflict ridden world and in the context of the region only music can cement ties, forge bonds"...Lama Tashi
“ROOTS” Festival began in the year 2003. This festival is an initiative of Springboard Surprises founded by Keith Wallang & Anungla Longkumer of Shillong, Meghalaya, India.
The festival, initially held only in Shillong, began as a simple collaborative concert & over the years it developed into an event featuring local, regional and international artists.
In 2006 we were inspired to take the Festival on the road so as to reach out to a larger audience and this developed into the "ROOTS Festival Tour", a one of a kind Touring Festival covering the states of Assam, Arunachal, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram & Nagaland in the North East of India & featuring music & dance from the region and around the world.
......AIMS & OBJECTIVES......
* to spread the message of Peace & Brotherhood
* to inspire the Youth
* to uplift Culture
* to provide a Platform for constructive, creative
expression & Collaboration
* to Educate & Inform
* to promote eco, cultural & sustainable tourism in the region
Roots will always feature artistes who are original, have something relevant to say and will inspire. Over the years bands and artistes hereabouts have begun experimenting with fusing traditional melodies, chants, instruments, lyric etc. with metal, rock, funk, pop etc....that’s roots!
In what is the only festival tour of its kind in the country, the Roots Festival Tour 2008 had the bands Dub Lfo (Israel), Too Late Lucy (UK), Raghu Dixit Project (Bangalore) Guru Rewben Mashangva (Ukhrul) & Warklung (Karbi Anglong) get on tour buses and hit the road performing & hosting workshops in the towns of Imphal, Dimapur, Diphu, Itanagar, Guwahati, Aizawl & Shillong. With 60000 attendees, press coverage locally, nationally and internationally including performances by local artists Manipuri Jagoi Marup Dancers, Shelny, Linda Thangjam, Divine Connection, Chakhesang Folk Troupe, Sarthe Rongpi, Dhansing Rongpi, Ritnongchingdi Dancers, Rok Rak, Omak Kumut Collective, Alien Gods, Down Under, Bihu Dancers, Prophecy, Scavenger Project, Deptt. Of Music Martin Luther Christian University, Summer Salt & The Verbs, Roots Festival Tour 2008 was.......HUGE!!!
What makes this tour even more special is that it travels thru most of North East India a region restricted to foreigners as well as Indians with special Permits required to enter. The region though remote, is naturally beautiful & home to a largely tribal population, with each tribe having their own distinct culture & language. This creates the rare opportunity for interaction between the bands and locals. Even though there are as many as 200 plus dialects spoken here, the best part is, music is natural flowing through the heart of the people. So!!! What more can one ask for?
IMPHAL, MANIPUR
DIMAPUR, NAGALAND
DIPHU, KARBI ANGLONG
ITANAGAR, ARUNACHAL PRADESH
GUWAHATI, ASSAM
AIZAWL, MIZORAM
SHILLONG, MEGHALAYA
All pictures Thanks to, TheRed Bantoo, Nitin, Vidura, Epao, Neha, Jeremy, Springboard Surprises etc.
A Special Shout-out to ALL the Bands, Dancers, Folk Musicians, Local co-ordinators, Press, Audience & Crew that made ROOTS Festival Tour 2008 what it was.
Many Thanks to ALL the Sponsors for the support
Who I'd like to meet: Musicians, Dancers & Artists in general, who have a desire to travel to our part of the world, the north east of india, & share music, culture & knowledge.
JAMIE IRIE is working with top reggea band HOUSE OF RIDDIM at the very moment on a L.P called KINGSTON 13 and will have some new releases this year and a tour to follow.look out for him. www.myspace.com/houseofriddim .
WORDS CAN BE SO SIMPLE .A video shoot at various locations UK. and J.A by Chris Ilston of CRIZ.E produtions .......
( WORDS CAN BE SO SIMPLE) backed by the HOUSE OF RIDDIM with a solid bass and wicked horn section and drums to rock with. A tune for the reggea music fan at its very best . This tune will make you get up and go and move you forword to a positive state of mind. www.myspace.com/houseofriddim Jamie, here's my HONEST opinion & comments.... "Words can be so simple...Actions..." YES, but MUSIC also speaks louder than words....& thats EXACTLY what this tune does. From the intro chants of "LION....LION!", you get the feeling of positivity & strength from the word GO! The bubbling riddim track is met with uplifting vocal vibes from Mr Irie. A tune aimed at those who talk 'round di ting' & don't seem to put talk into motion, this song hits the spot. A vibesy tune to fill the air with as much punc
...peeace,what..s good on ur end? I upped a snippet of the new album sampler plus some new beatz...leave some feedback when u have a second...be blessed,stay positive!!!
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