First musical band of high-altitude Ladakh riding high
Blending traditional folk music with rock, Dashug is extremely popular since it also focuses on critical social issues.
The stillness of Ladakh surrounded by snow-peaked mountains gets broken rather frequently these days as a group of young men take to the stage. They sing, sway, and tap to the beat of drums, guitars, and other instruments, producing a heady mix of music that echoes across the breathtaking landscape marked by vast valleys, high mountain passes, and crystal-clear blue skies.
Watching and listening to the musicians creating their magic, the audience turns ecstatic. They cheer and clap lustily, serving adequate notice that Dashug – Ladakh’s first musical band – has kicked up quite a bit of a storm in an otherwise tranquil region.
“Everyone adores our music since we have blended traditional Ladakhi tunes with rock,” remarked Tsewang Nurboo, the band’s lead vocalist and founder.
Formed in 2020 end, Dashug – rooted in local folk songs – is riding a wave of popularity because it has cleverly packaged its music with the best of melody from other regions as well.
“We are inspired by central Asian bands such as Turan of Kazakhstan, and Mongolia’s Hu and Hurgai,” pointed out Tsewang Phunstog, an instrumentalist and a singer.
Members of the band had first met over jamming sessions organised privately. But each shared a passion for rock. Their friendships grew and soon the band came into being.
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Delivering messages through melodies
Every member brings a lot to the band. Nurboo is a singer, while Tsewang Phunstog plays a native instrument called the dranyen. The band’s lead guitarist is Rigzin Nurboo while Tsering Motup and Tsering Nurbo build up the crescendo by playing the drums.
Together, they help the group in living up to the band’s name. Da in the local dialect means sound and Shug stands for energy or power. Dashug’s music, as the audiences will vouch, is both melodious and power-packed.
“The fusion of contemporary and traditional music adds to the power of sound and thus, the band’s name fits into our collective vision,” said Rigzin Nurboo, the guitarist.
The claims made by the band members are not hollow. They are in demand and Dashug has already created the theme song for Ladakh Literature Festival.
They have also worked with major corporations including TATA Motors, BISON and Tata Steel Foundation, besides sharing the stage with distinguished bands like Tiesto Sisters, Indian Ocean and Swarathma.
That Dashug has established a strong connection with the audience, is because the music they produce also has a strong topical context. Their songs focus on social issues.
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“We are attempting to stir up social change by shedding light on issues such as disabilities and menstrual hygiene,” said Tsering Motup.
Reviving Ladakh’s folk music with a contemporary twist
Locals love it when Dashug’s songs tackle prickly subjects. The band also renders popular folk songs from different regions and ethnic groups, including ones from present-day Tibet.
Encouraged by the audience’s reaction, members of Dashug have also formed the Musical Society of Ladakh. The idea is to prompt young Ladakhis to embrace folk songs and music.
“The society organises workshops and seminars for preserving, developing, and evolving folk songs. We also publish an annual magazine called Donmay to document stories of folk artists and music of Ladakh,” pointed out Nurboo.
Popularising local folk music remains a priority. “That we blend and add rock to it helps,” added Tsewang Phunstog, the instrumentalist.
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Like everywhere else, Ladakh too has fallen for the charm of Bollywood music. But courtesy Dashug, local folk songs and music have received a fresh lease of life. No wonder, Ladakh is intermittently shedding its stillness for swaying to the band’s melodic music instead.
The lead image shows the band members of Dashug – Ladakh’s first musical band – that has kicked a storm in an otherwise tranquil region (Photo by Dashug band)
Dawa Dolma is a freelance journalist based in Leh. She writes about climate change, communities, and culture of the Himalayas. She is a Rural Media Fellow 2022 at Youth Hub, Village Square.
