Ktien U Blei - Skendrowell Syiemlieh (Ka Kalbari)

Описание: Album: Ka Kalbari
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BIO from GROKIPEDIA
Skendrowell Syiemlieh (1 March 1945 – 21 October 2008) was a renowned Khasi folk and gospel singer, musician, and composer from Meghalaya, India, celebrated for his mastery of traditional instruments like the duitara and his innovative fusion of rural narratives with contemporary sounds. He dedicated his career to preserving Khasi cultural heritage by transforming fading folktales, myths, and village life into sung stories that conveyed moral and ethical lessons, earning him posthumous recognition including the Padma Shri award in arts in 2009.

Born as the eldest son of Plentimai Syiemlieh and Romuel Ryntathiang in the village of Umthied Bynther in West Khasi Hills, Syiemlieh displayed prodigious talent from a young age, captivating audiences with his duitara performances by eight years old.[1] He began his professional journey in 1962 as an artiste with All India Radio Shillong, becoming a regular performer by 1967–68, and later served as the first playback singer for Khasi films such as U Manik Raitong. Over decades, he composed and performed original lyrics and tunes in the Mawiang dialect, often prefacing songs with spoken introductions to draw listeners into tales of Khasi history, nature, and human virtues.

Syiemlieh's contributions extended beyond entertainment to cultural preservation, as his repertoire—including songs like Iing Byndi, U Lohryndi, Ka Mahadei, and Shnong ba nga ieij—revived ancient stories of figures such as Tirot Sing and U Manik Raitong while critiquing modern moral decay and urban alienation. By blending traditional Khasi ethics, such as maternal lineage (ka tip kur tip kha) and righteousness (ka kamai ia ka hok), with Western instruments like guitar and violin, he made indigenous traditions accessible to younger generations amid rapid modernization. His work not only promoted Khasi literature and values but also earned earlier accolades, including the best vocalist award in 1975 and the U Tirot Sing Award for Arts and Literature in 1991, solidifying his legacy as a guardian of Meghalaya's oral heritage.