Manipuri folk musician and performer Mangka Mayanglambam is on a mission to revive folk!

Mangka Mayanglambam is a Manipuri Folk, Traditional, Classical and Contemporary song performer. She started learning Manipuri folk music from Guru Langathel Thoinu.
working at Laihui as performer and trainer, under the supervision of its Artistic Director, M. Mangangsana. Check out her exclusive interview with TNT (The Northeast Today).

Photo courtesy: Byron Aihara

TNT: Good to have you with us. Brief us with your life. How did you get into music?

Mangka: It is good to have with you too. So coming to music, I was born in the family of a Manipuri traditional folk musician. Also I am very lucky to be a daughter of a national awardee Mangangsana and I was drawn into it.

TNT: What are the traditional instruments you use. How far does the use of these traditional instruments enhance the music you represent?

Mangka: Pena -it is the instrument I love most and play. The Manipuri traditional percussive instruments like langden, metei pung, dholok, sanchi and toudri (wind instrument) are accompanying abundantly. In some of my contemporary folk songs western instruments like; guitar, drums, keyboard, violin etc. are also used.

Almost all Manipuri folk songs are born with Pena and drums, without our traditional instruments my songs would not be whole.

Photo courtesy: Sidarth Haobijam

TNT: You also work as a trainer for folk music in Manipur imparting a piece of culture and tradition to students of the Manipuri culture. How far is teaching important in upholding the traditions of one's culture and the influence of folk music in Manipur?

Mangka: I am not really teaching the students but yes for who are really interested and want to learn this music I guide them in a proper way. I am just imparting the process of preservation and developing the traditional arts, conducting for such long years by Laihui, the institute I am representing now. Now, I experience that only teaching is not sufficient to upholding the traditions but popularisation and modernisation of the trends is also very important.

TNT: Tell us about the song writing process. What do you like to incorporate in you songs?

Mangka: I do not write songs. Most of the songs that I sung i.e folk music were not in written script, I used to remember what my Gurus taught and noted down while they performed. A few are written by noted Manipuri lyricist. I always like to incorporate Manipuri traditional flavor in my songs in the sense of tunes, lyrics, musical instruments and ofcourse the rendering of traditional voice.

Photo courtesy: Byron Aihara

TNT: You perform your music in the traditional attires. How important is traditional attire when it comes to representing folk music?

Mangka: Traditional attire is very much important because it takes us to our cultural roots, shows a sense of loyalty and pride of one's nation.

TNT: Are you self taught musician or have you taken formal lessons in music? How difficult is it to play traditional musical instruments?

Mangka: I took formal lesson from different gurus. Well if it is played and practiced frequently it is not very much difficult.

TNT: Considering that Rock or Metal is a dominant genre in Northeast, why should people choose to listen to folk music?

Mangka: Well people should also listen to folk music to remind us of the glorious past. It has a characteristic of different community. Folk music can be changed from time to time but must not compromise it's originality. So any folk music can be Rock or Metal to any other.

TNT: Music as a career in Northeast. Your say?

Mangka: Of course music can be a career but it is not an easy thing to achieve. Lots of obstacle can stand in our way. Most essential thing is having clear foundation, firm knowledge, personality to engage with people, fan base also loads of energy to create opportunities.

TNT: Considering the level that you are in at the moment, do you envision yourself getting better?

Mangka: Every time, I try my best and believe it is the best. Imperfection is always with us so even though it was not perfect I attempt not to repeat again.

Photo courtesy: A Dayananda

TNT: Any shoutouts?

Mangka: Feel free to sing – thrive away worry

TNT: What is more gratifying to you, money or recognition?

Mangka: Recognition but both are essential.

TNT: What is your other passion apart from music?

Mangka: Dancing , being with my friends and family, and having exotic food.

TNT: Thank you so much for taking your time out. We hope you prosper in your future endeavours.

Mangka: Thank you very much.

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