Alive with the sound of music
Dashug, a music band from Ladakh that was formed in 2020, is riding a wave of popularity in the region because its music remains rooted in local folk songs.
More Videos
Dashug began taking shape in Ladakh after the members of the band first met during jamming sessions organised privately. Each of them carried a passion for rock. Their friendship grew and soon the band came into being. The different skills of every member add to the richness of the band. Nurboo is a singer while Tsewang Phunstog plays a native instrument called dranyen. The band’s lead guitarist is Rigzin Nurboo. 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.
“We are inspired by central Asian bands such as Turan of Kazakhstan and Mongolia’s Hu and Hurgai,” pointed out Tsewang Phunstog, who is also a singer.
Together, they are also attempting to stir up social change by shedding light on issues such as disabilities and menstrual hygiene through their music.
Also Read | First musical band of high-altitude Ladakh riding high
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.
