Draft:Arup Jyori Baruah

Arup Jyori Baruah
''Arupjyoti Baruah (born August 1985) is a folk musician, singer-songwriter, composer, music producer, performer, folklorist, and activist. He is from Assam, a city in India. Actively working in the music industry since 2007, he is often recognized as the frontman of the pan-Indian folk-rock band, Cultivators, his ethnomusicological approach blends traditional folk elements, the voice of the ‘marginal’[1], and contemporary influences. His music finds home in web series, serials, theatres, and movies, the most notable one being 'Mon Chole Re'[2] from TVF Tripling. His signature song 'Manuhor Dam'[3] highlights social problems, human rights and the need for equality.''

Music Style
He has explored across languages (Assamese, Bangla, Hindi), dialectical variations of Assamese and folk music of different ethnic communities (Rabha, Mishing, Bodo, Tiwa, etc). His genre expands to Ojapali, Borgeet, Goalpariya Lokogeet, Kamrupiya Lokogeet, Holigeet, Baul, Bihu, Biri naam, and contemporary songs. His music is highly inspired by the literature of Srimanta Shankardev, Jyoti Prasad Agarwala, Kalaguru Bishnu Prasad Rabha, and Bhupen Hazarika. Along with his band, he experiments with various instruments, including the dotara, ektara, khol, dhol, guitar, brass, khamak, bortaal, khutitaal, flute, ukulele, to create a unique sonic palette that captivates listeners. Baruah's unique approach involved infusing these traditional melodies with modern instrumentation and arrangements, attracting a new generation of listeners while preserving the authenticity of the original compositions.[4]

Works
His discography includes movies like Jajabor (2015), Shakira Ahibo Bokul Tolor Bihuloi (2017), Goru (2021), OnekHolo…Ebar Toh Moro (2017), Guwahati Diaries (2022), Emuthi Puthi (2022), Eklavya (2022), Black N White (2023), and popular web series TVF Tripling (2019).[5] His music album includes Kanchanjangha (2011).[6]

He has been a live performer in: Guwahati International Music Festival, Majuli Music Fest, Majuli Farmer’s Festival, Baghmora Winter Carnival, Dwijing Festival, Rongali Fest, Northeast Festival, Raining Sessions, ‘Geet’ Season 3, Golden Langur Festival, the ‘Chaya Cobi’ project (an initiative started by the singer Rupam Bhuyan), podcasts like Ojaantric[7][8] and in performances in various Universities and Colleges of Assam.

Social Projects
Since 2016, the band “Cultivators” have annually presented performances on June 20 to commemorate 'Rabha Divas' and promote the ideals and works of Kalaguru Bishnu Prasad Rabha to a global audience, guided by the motto ‘from workplace to birthplace’ (karma bhumir pora janmabhumiloi[9]). Their performances at the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, have showcased a diverse range of acts, including Sankardev’s compositions, Jyoti Sangeet, Rabha Sangeet, Bhupendra Sangeet, Bihu, and other folk items such as Baul and Bhatiali.

Baruah also started a social project (ongoing) named Gurumarg, where he explores human libraries, and arranges open events and workshops, documenting the circulation of Borgeet and the contemporary legacy of Shankardevamongst the youth.

As a music director, Arupjyoti Baruah has been involved with the Bhramyoman Theatre (a mobile/roving theatre attached to the heritage of Assam’s performative space and culture) since 2012. He has worked in collaboration with theatres like Kohinoor, Abahan, Hengool, Bhayadevi, Bordoisila, Surya Theatre, and Rajtilak Theatre. He has also been a music director for the direction of renowned names like Munin Baruah, Hemanta Dutta, Abhijeet Bhattacharya, Shankalpajit Hazarika, Rajdeep, Himanshu Prasad Das, Pranab Baruah, and others.

His journey with folk theatre involves the Amateur Theatre, and the well-known theatre village BadungduppaKalakendra, Goalpara. Under the tutelage of Sukracharjya Rabha, eminent theatre personality, and founder of the ecological/green theatre and “Under the Sal Tree” festival, Baruah studied body semiotics, performativity and community building via music direction. He is the music director of Rabha’s play To’ Poidam. Following an intensive workshop in Badungduppa, Evelien Pullens, a theatre director and puppeteer, of the Netherlands Theatre Embassy, collaborated with Rabha to craft a production titled “Bijuli”, where Arupjyoti Baruah directed the music and played 53 folk instruments alone.

He has also been a part of Byatikram Anti-Drugs, Tobacco and Liquor Awareness Campaign on the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Awards and accolades
Baruah has been awarded with the following titles:

• Gupshup Music Awards 2017 (Best Band "Cultivators")

• Gupshup Music Awards 2018 (Best Music Video and Best Song- "Rokom Rokom"[10]

• Gupshup Music Awards 2018 (Best Band- "Mukhar Aaror Mukh"[11])

• Axom Sahitya Sabha 2019 (Best Music Director-Theatre)

• Dalmia Cement Udiyaman Bhryamoman 2019 (Best Music Director)[12]

• Prag Cine Awards 2019 (Best Singer-Male)

• Prag Cine Awards 2020 (Best Music Director, for the film Goru[13])

• Prag Cine Awards 2020 (Best Male Singer Playback)

• Prag Cine Awards 2021 (Best Male Singer, for "Adhorua Maya"[14])

• Sher Choudhury Award 2019 (Best Music Director in the short film BY PASS)[15]

• Nipon Goswami Award, 2022 (Best Singer)

Over the years, Baruah has performed extensively in concerts and cultural events in Assam. His contributions extend beyond his musical prowess. He is actively involved in initiatives aimed at preserving and documenting Assamese folk traditions for future generations. Baruah’s advocacy for cultural preservation has earned him recognition for raising awareness about the importance of safeguarding indigenous musical forms in a rapidly changing world.