Fusion is here to stay!

Do you remember listening to something peppy, but with simple and rustic lyrics? A combination of tabla, electric guitar and drums! It’s fusion. A fusion of various sounds of traditional and Western instruments.  It has created a fresh form of music which is also called contemporary or world music by some. But the concept and visualization is fusing two different forms of music and the result is ‘Fusion’.

Fusion music has become popular in the last decade in India. Fusion means the combination of two separate forms of music. When they forms are combined, a third form called Fusion is created. Fusion music was conceptualized by musicians who wanted to combine the best of two worlds and also to promote easy listening.

Several bands promoted fusion music in India. Tavleen Singh, the famous percussionist, is known as a great fusion artist. Similarly, Colonial Cousins , a band comprising singer Hariharan and music director Leslie Lewis became quite popular in the Nineties. They made some memorable hits like ‘Sa Ni Dha Pa’ and others  which are typical fusion songs.

Indian Ocean, a band comprising four close friends, developed an idea by Rahul Ram, the vocalist. Their album ‘Kandisa’ became a popular  hit amongst the youth, particularly college students. Their songs ‘Maa Rewa’ and ‘Kandisa’ were huge hits. Remember, ‘Peepli Live’ which had some Indian Ocean songs like ‘Desh mera rangrezia babu’. The songs of Indian Ocean describe various issues of life in a simple and rustic manner.

 One of their songs, ‘Hille le’ was originally written by a famous poet from Bihar, Gorakh Pande, and it is a satire on issues like corruption and aristocracy. It has a rustic feel to it. But it uses electric guitar, tabla, drums and synthesizer in harmony. The result is a power- packed song which is truly soul stirring.

Fusion music was popularized by the Pakistani band ‘Junoon’ which used various famous sayings in a totally different and modern form. Their song ‘Khudi ko kar buland itna ki har taqdeer se pehle, khuda bande se khud poochhe, bataa teri raza kya hai’ is an adaptation of a popular saying by poet Allama Iqbal which tells a man to be strong and totally in control.

Fusion music has been criticized by experts who see this as corruption of music. But as long as fusion is pure and sends out a message, it will be popular. Youngsters can be inspired as fusion songs do not use any explicit lyrics. So, as long as you are listening to something which is pleasing and is also soul stirring, go for it. Who knows you may come out with your own album someday!