Video Spotlight: Village Song – Mahamaya Experience & Ranjit Makkuni

 

Scott Published December 29, 2023 | 7:17 pm

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10 Min Read

 

In today’s feature, we immerse ourselves in the vibrant soundscape of “Village Songs, We don’t need plastic middle men!” by the Mahamaya Experience & Ranjit Makkuni. This track is an example to the uniting power of world music, a genre that stands as a cultural bridge, drawing from a diverse array of global styles to forge a connection that resonates universally.

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I have long been an enthusiast of world music, drawn to its capacity to blend the traditional with the contemporary, the local with the global. It’s a genre that celebrates the vast tapestry of human experience, bringing us closer to distant cultures through the shared language of rhythm and melody.

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Discovering Mahamaya Experience & Ranjit Makkuni has been a revelation, adding a new dimension to my appreciation of this genre. Their work is not confined to the boundaries of world music; they venture beyond, integrating a variety of genres into their sound. This synthesis is not just a mere mixing of styles but a creative alchemy that yields something extraordinary and profound.

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The innovation in their music is noticeable, as they weave together elements from different musical traditions to create a sound that is as unique as it is charming. It’s a harmonious collision of worlds, a sonic journey that brings out new textures and colors, resulting in a musical experience that is both fresh and deeply rooted in cultural heritage.

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The Mahamaya Experience & Ranjit Makkuni have crafted a sound that is a celebration of diversity, a celebration of unity through music. It’s a joyous exploration of what happens when you allow different musical narratives to converse, to dance, to tell a story together. Their approach to world music transcends mere performance; it’s a movement, a mission to unite us through the universal heartbeat of song.

And this track and video, does just that in it’s story telling. The song unfolds through the narrative lens of a village elder, who engages her daughter in a conversation about her urban experiences. This dialogue forms the core of the song, highlighting a conscious move away from the mechanized, consumer-driven ethos of city life.

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The lyrics subtly nod to the iconic Pink Floyd line from “Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2,” particularly in its opening verse, “We don’t need no big roads.” However, this reference is more than a musical homage it’s also a great thematic alignment with the idea of questioning and challenging societal norms. But yea,I must say I do love that great Pink Floyd reference!

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At its heart, the song is a celebration of traditional, eco-friendly village life, advocating for a return to simpler, more sustainable practices. It’s a strong reminder of the value and relevance of age-old wisdom in our rapidly changing world. It’s an affirmation that sometimes, progress means looking back to our roots and learning from the past.

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The essence of “Village Songs” lies in its ability to blend a profound message with an unexpectedly lively melody, creating a contrast that is both thought-provoking and well, just great music overall. It’s memorable for its powerful commentary on the world we live in and the choices we face.

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This song’s depth is found in its exploration of the dichotomy between rural and urban life, emphasizing that true advancement doesn’t necessarily lie in the endless pursuit of modernization, but rather in the mindful preservation of our environmental and cultural heritage.

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In this visually striking video, the richness of Balinese culture is brought to life through the depiction of traditional musicians and dancers. A striking frame captures musicians, clad in customary Balinese garb, engrossed in their art. They wear black shirts and the iconic “udeng” or “destar” headgear, a key element in Balinese men’s attire, symbolizing their cultural identity.

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Seated, these musicians skillfully play the gamelan, an ensemble that is a cornerstone of Balinese and Javanese music. The gamelan primarily consists of percussive instruments, the “kendang” or hand drums, along with the metallophones, stand out. These instruments are played with mallets, producing the distinctive, resonant sound that is synonymous with Indonesian musical tradition. I’ve always loved theses instruments, but never really had saw them in person. But would love to some day.

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The video also features female dancers in the background. They are adorned in white kebayas, traditional blouses, which are gracefully enhanced with golden ornaments. Their attire includes yellow sashes tied around their waists and long, intricately patterned sarongs, which exemplify the elegance and heritage of Balinese dance attire. Which really speaks strongly to what the song is all about.

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The dancers express themselves with fans that are not merely accessories but integral parts of their performance. These fans, with their circular shape and golden-yellow edgings, create a striking visual contrast against the white kebayas, adding to the aesthetic appeal of the scene.

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There is also one dancer in full traditional regalia. The centerpiece of her costume is the “gelungan,” a magnificent golden headdress intricately patterned and adorned with vibrant yellow flowers. These flowers symbolize purity and commitment within the rich ocean of Balinese culture. The “gelungan” plays a pivotal role in the dance, often indicating the character or role the dancer embodies.

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Her makeup is a work of art in itself, dramatically applied to accentuate the expressive power of her facial movements. The dancer’s attire is lavishly decorated, each pattern and motif imbued with layers of meaning and cultural significance. Gold features prominently in her costume, a color associated with elegance and respect in Balinese tradition.

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The song’s story, centered around rejecting modern consumerism and embracing sustainable village life, finds a vivid representation in the dance’s visual storytelling. In Balinese culture, dance is a medium of communication, often used to express and preserve cultural narratives and philosophies. It represents a connection to a lineage of tradition and knowledge, echoing the song’s theme of valuing and preserving ancient wisdom and ways of life.

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We then see an aerial shot of a multilane highway bustling with vehicles, captured from above, symbolizes the rapid pace and complexity of modern life. The overlay of the handwritten text, “That’s right we don’t need no big roads!!” directly echoes the song’s title and its underlying message. It’s a visual affirmation of the song’s rejection of the sprawling, invasive infrastructure that characterizes much of modern development, often at the expense of the environment and traditional ways of life.

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This modern imagery is then switched with a serene rural landscape, a tranquil expanse of lush green rice fields that are emblematic of rural life in many Asian countries. These fields, with their narrow pathways and water channels, represent a harmonious balance with nature, a lifestyle that is sustainable and deeply rooted in the natural world.

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Central to this pastoral scene is the digitally superimposed image of Buddha’s Ashok tree, adorned with golden leaves and surrounded by butterflies. This addition infuses the scene with a sense of tranquility and spiritual significance. The Ashok tree, especially in its association with Buddha, symbolizes peace and enlightenment. The accompanying text, “All we have is Buddha’s Ashok tree,” reinforces the theme of finding sufficiency and peace in simplicity and in a deep connection with nature.

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The song itself stands as a powerful ode to simpler, more sustainable ways of life. Its lyrics and melody resonate with a call to return to our roots, to embrace practices that harmonize with nature rather than disrupt it. The message is clear and impactful: progress and development don’t necessarily mean adopting ever-increasing complexities; sometimes, true progress lies in recognizing the wisdom of traditional ways and sustainable living. And again, it’s a beautiful song with a powerful message.