Tag Archives: Sona Mohapatra

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Sona Mohapatra’s upcoming song for World Music Day puts a spotlight on our most valuable gift in these times

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Sona has conceptualised a music video “Portraits of Quarantine” as an idea to timestamp this tough period of isolation with a ‘moving photo album’ of her band, crew & team members & further on the people they have shared this tough, unpredictable lockdown with. There is also a message to many who are battling loneliness & depression to reach out & seek support & in turn to people who know them to rally around & lean in. Everybody needs somebody who can remind them of their own value, beauty & strength!

The songstress & producer performs a soulful song – ‘Tori Surat- Unplugged’, with a chill lounge soundscape & Ameer Khusraus poetry with her band. The video features the ‘faces or surats’ that make this period an easier one to navigate. A moving extended family ‘photo album’ to watch back in better times & remember the quarantine & it’s lessons.

Speaking about it Sona says, “We don’t have to have “mental illness” to experience psychological issues during COVID-19’s stressful impact on humanity. To cope, everyone needs connection & compassion. If we are lucky we have shared this quarantine period with someone who provides that support, be it by being physically around or even available virtually. This music video is an ode to that.

“World Music Day is around the corner & is a wonderful occasion that lets my whole team come together virtually to do what we do best; perform music that not only entertains people but also uplifts their soul. Crehyl Periera is a very talented young music arranger & he produced a jazz-lounge track for Ram Sampath’s composition that I know will be loved. The music video has been shot individually by each team member but edited in the Himachal Pradesh hills by Nitesh Bisht. The piano, melodica, flutes & the electric & acoustic guitars, the percussion including cajon, the Hindustani & Konakol bols performed in this track make ‘Tori Surat Unplugged’ a truly world music gem! A perfect blend of the music of the west & the east too. The last few months haven’t been easy on any of us. Today when I look back, I feel it is important for us to cherish & celebrate our support systems; the ones we share our lockdown & homes with. “Portraits of Quarantine” celebrates that thought. Tori Surat is timeless poetry by a Sufi master & I hope my relationship & love with my band & team also endures similarly.”

Music

Sona Mohapatra becomes the first Indian female artist to release a female interpretation of the Classic Sufi Hit ‘Nit Khair Manga’

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The songstress Sona Mohapatra becomes the first Indian female singer to bring to life the traditional Sufi Qawali, Nit Khair Manga sung by many male music stars across the ages but made famous by Ustaad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, has now included a funk-fusion rendition of the same in her documentary film “Shut Up Sona”, which is currently playing at the largest documentary festival in North America, Hot Docs Toronto.

Retaining the soul & authenticity of the original, Sona’s rendition is fresh and powerful yet keeps alive the essence of this ode to unconditional love. Nit Khair Manga has a special place in her heart. Getting a world-class production in place for the same is the genius of Ram Sampath who has always innovated with his music.

Link – https://youtu.be/p1-VNlcB3XY

A big admirer of Sufi music, the artist and performer, Sona abides by the genre’s message of love and peace but also wanted to push the boundaries by challenging the notion of most of the genre being sung only by Male singers traditionally. At a time when the world stands divided and distraught by the pandemic, Sona hopes the song is a reminder of the goodness that exists around us.

Sona says, “I am so happy to finally present my recorded version of Nit Khair Manga to the world. I have performed this classic on stage for a decade as an ode to Nusrat Saab & his artistry but my interpretation is very different & from a feminine perspective. As an artist, I believe in taking a stand for what is right & also spreading positivity. The world really needs it at the moment, more than ever before. I hope this release helps carry the message of unity & love above all.”

Artist Asit Patnaik added, “Renowned singer Sona Mohapatra is releasing Dua na koi aur mangdi, amid a strange moment. It is a mere coincidence that she has used my work as a backdrop. It is entirely her own creation, but I could not feel more honored. In the current moment, when the whole world, including our country, is undergoing terrible suffering and losses, she sings of love, hope, life and well being of every human life.”