Suahtakna by BYF Light Choirs ( Volume V)
Gospel, VDO, Paite: I was expecting another Hon Domsang from this delectable Light Choirs, but this one’s nothing of that! No, I’m not disappointed. The fifth volume, BYF Light Choirs’ Suahtak Na rather abides in its own glory of enriching soulful songs nevertheless most enlightening mediates of all as in prayers. Assorting new and old songs together in thematic finesse, unclogging flow and beats made this one collectible choirs album.
Like every other choirs album, we have songs in two domains. First is the “own” songs – of Choir conductor(s) mainly – and the others which were translated. Called it the Ramhlun North – effects, now we couldn’t have choirs’ videos without choreography. H Muanthang’s Suahtak Na take that very form conceiving its own endings rather smartly. His secondth Hon Ngaidam In, much in line with others, is captivating so are S Lam Jacob’s Toupa Konphat Hi, Krist a Suahtakna and Na Itna Thupha.
Suahtakna by BYF Light Choirs (Vol V)(Back Cover)
Ka gam kulhbang uh chim zou hi,/Melma in ka gam tuam khin zou hi;/Hong un, unau Toupa kiang ah,/Thupha tawi ni I gam dam na’ng.
Hon ngaidam in, Toupa hon ngaidam in,/Halhna hon tunkik nawn in;/Michih lungsung hong phawnghalh in,/Na sianglam ko’ng zawt theih nang un.(Hon Ngaidam In)
Toupa aw Na tungah lungdam lua ing e,/Tatna thupha Non piak tak manin;/Tul ngeilou ding gou manpha nei tang,/Thupina teng Nang a hi den hen aw.
Na thupina in lei leh van zelsuak hi,/Thang semsem hen Na itna thupha;/Chichih namchihte lak ah,/Puangzak in om zel hen Na itna thu.(Na Itna Thupha)
This album inclusion of “old” songs is welcoming. Buonlienkung’s Ka Lungkimna got a makeover and Lalsangzuali Sailo’s Ka Deihpen Toupa and Ngamlalchawl’s Jehovah Min I Louden Ding are two that securely buy much finesse for the album. Of the twelve tracks, Serafim Lamawi and Toupa Hong Nawnna could be avoided. The other ten tracks gave this album a distinctive energy.
Shepherds: From the album Kiging Zing Vai (2010). written by T Thangboi, the song has been translated from Zou. See the natural simplicity displays by dedutant Niangboi. She’s meant for it, really.
A Lifetimes: Presentations by Lynda at Laijom Digest Miuzeeko Awards ‘08. Aw Ka Hinkho is said to be written by Ncy Haokip.
Peugal Gam Nom | Album Cover (front)
Gospel, Thadou-Kuki: Faith in Christ often than not free us from shame and despair in lifetimes. Peugal gam Nom – My testimonial Songs is one such to convey this sojourn: Lyricist & director Samuel and Singer Lamshi conditionally bring forth with their testimonials. The twelve tracks, nonetheless, converse and befitting music by Thangjangam Khongsai made this album one that could have a stand in its own term.
Opening with Samuel’s testimonials, by the time the first song “Nitin cross” came to an end, you have already realized this album meant personal whether for Samuel or Lamshi. Both their testimonials stand-out; and quite frankly more than the twelve tracks! Lamshi complimenting performances for the songs are simply effortless: Making most of the songs ‘holier’ with a pitted vocal including the one duet with Samuel “Isau le Jacob”.
Aw Pakai gim gentheina ka thohho hin/ Nangma thutah lama hansanna ei pe’i/ Ka tahsan vang a thoh jou jipoi/ Aw Pakai gentheite ka kinep nao hi/ Hin geldoh jing jengin, Nang ka lha ngai jui. (Peugal Gam Nom) “Isau le Jacob” is dramatically conversational and least to say original. “Aw Hin ve In” with its gospel mission tones is challenging. “Nitin Cross”, “Van Inn Nom” and “Peugal Gam Nom” rather sounds less original. It seems we’ve heard them already! “Christa Nungjui”, “Kipah Thanom In” and “Kavah choije” capture Lamshi in all new way unlike the rests.
The Videos are way over the top. Covering different places like Moreh, Bungmual and Tamu, all work to its own advantage. Uptown Media must re-look what it have given here. Green is greener and lights are brighter. Simply, they are all overdone. Chunngai Cultural Troupes (Moreh) who’ve appeared in “Kipah thanom In” and “Christa Ngailut” are worth mentioning.
Skit driven videos as in “Ahah Ta Ngei Ve” and others, Thangjangam Khongsai music and the testimonials display are not enough for an album to term as “Good Gospel Album”. For one, originality is what this lacks.
Kiging Zing Vai (Cover)
The 1998’s Zou Gospel hit album Kiging Zing Vai which launch Hatbawi then have been reprise to cover other dialects including Thadou, Paite and Hmar. Featuring singers like Hatbawi, Khaiminlun ( Leel Aw Lel Aw ) and introducing Lynda, Muanlal & Niengboi, was released on 9h January 2009.
Hatbawi, we all know, has come all way fine. Hope this new venture do the same to the other debutants. All the best.
