By Aparmita Das
Oh, how could one forget the wistful melody of the bygone era that evokes memories of yesteryear? The soul-stirring tune of “Ha ka jingim jong nga. Ngam tip, jingieit kumne kan jia…” from the nostalgic track ‘Uff ka jingieid’ which enthralled and enchanted all who heard it. Regardless of the language one spoke, everyone was seen swaying to its rhythms. Time has flown since the release of this masterpiece, but the voice that lent it life has only grown exponentially in the music industry. Gracyl Ropmay, the darling of the music world, is here to stay and mesmerise us once again with her latest heart-warming creation, ‘U Kune U Ksoh,’ which she unveiled on March 25.
After the release of her enchanting English single ‘Brighter Days’, Ropmay felt an invigorating sense of purpose to continue creating music that would deeply connect with her beloved fans. She had eagerly seized upon the theme of LOVE for her next masterpiece, basking in the glorious radiance of life’s optimistic aura. “I had gathered all the tender emotions within myself and started framing the content, in harmony with a gifted writer and lyricist, Riqouma Rq Laloo, to craft the captivating lyrics of the song in the Pnar language, exquisitely transmuting my ideas into a beautifully crafted sonic tapestry,” beamed Ropmay, in a candid conversation with The Meghalayan.
According to the artiste, ‘U Kune U Ksoh’ is a sublime tribute to the unfathomable quest for true love – one that is selfless, pure, and mutually reverential, transcending the barriers of language and culture. Ropmay, whose previous works were mostly about delivery of powerful vocals and energy basically to pep up the crowd, “but this time around the expression of love is also very subtle and soft which I portrayed in my delivery of tonality and melodies. So this version is another side of me,” Ropmay said.
The ballad conveys a profound message about the human desire for love and companionship. It tells the story of a woman who has found her soulmate and stands by them through life’s challenges with unwavering devotion. The intimacy of the lyrics and soulful melody create a symphony of emotions that resonate with the essence of true love. What truly stands out is the contemporary relevance of ‘U Kune U Ksoh’, speaking to the very essence of modern relationships in the age of social media and digital communication.
Gracyl has masterfully delved into the depths of love, exploring the true meaning of values and hopes that underlie a beautiful family. With its raw and intimate portrayal of love, the song evokes a sense of universality that touches the hearts of people from all walks of life. It is a testament to the enduring power of love that continues to inspire and uplift us all.
The music video showcases the talented artiste and actor Wanjop ‘Vince’ from TMPros, portraying the character of a true lover. Reflecting on his experience, Wanjop recalled receiving a phone call from Gracyl while he was enjoying his lunch, expressing her interest in having him feature in her music video. “Initially, I was taken aback and struggled to believe it was happening. As it was my first time acting in front of a camera, I felt somewhat apprehensive yet excited about the opportunity. However, the end result exceeded my expectations, and I was pleased with how well it turned out,” Wanjop said. “He is a very promising artiste and gave his best shot by portraying the character well. Vince’s appearance on screen was appreciated by all,” Ropmay added.
The music was produced by B4nshan, recorded at TMPros studio, mixed and mastered by Erick Franky Kharsyiemiong, directed by Wanri Pyngrope, DOP and edited by Kiki Garod, script by Balasiewdor Symblai and choreographed by Anniesha Mawrie.
Ropmay also discussed the cultural and social significance of the song in her hometown of Shillong, Meghalaya. “While western culture has influenced the ceremonial aspect of celebrations, Shillong still views love as a gradual process based on mutual respect, trust, and understanding between partners, deeply rooted in traditional culture. Relationships and courtships reflect community and family values, and couples seek their families’ blessings. ‘U Kune U Ksoh’ celebrates the personal love between true couples backed by a community that values morals and liberal thought,” she said.
Songwriting is a deeply personal experience for Gracyl Ropmay, who uses it as a means of expressing her emotions and finding stress relief. Her creative process often begins with jotting down her feelings, and if the vibe is right, she builds upon a strong melody. “For me, writing songs is a way of immersing myself in my imagination, a place where I can create and explore freely”.
As her music evolves, listeners will always hear her unique style at its core, with new projects on the horizon, including Khasi and English tracks with her record label. “Music has played a pivotal role in my personal growth and development. It has helped me through difficult times, provided a sense of upliftment, and helped me develop good relationships with others. Music is my greatest gift and asset, and I am forever grateful for its positive impact on my life,” she added.
Ropmay further expressed her thanks and admiration for her beloved family. She acknowledged her parents as the unwavering pillars of support who have nurtured her musical talent from the very beginning. “They have always encouraged me to pursue my passion and have stood by me every step of the way,” she said. “I am also incredibly grateful for my siblings, particularly my sister Joicyl Ropmay. She is not only my skilled makeup artist but also my source of strength. I simply cannot imagine living without her, and I consider myself extremely fortunate to have such an amazing person in my life,” the artiste added.
When asked about the overwhelmingly positive response to her music video and the impact she hopes it will have on her listeners, Ropmay expressed gratitude towards her fans for their unwavering support throughout her 22-year-long career in music. She believes that her success is a result of her fans’ love and support. The musician’s hope is that their song will help listeners find true unconditional love or serve as a reminder to further grow in a relationship. As a message to Meghalayans, the artiste urged them to support local artistes and never stop pursuing their dreams. “You all have your dreams but you need to have the courage to chase your dreams and turn them into reality. Believe in yourself and never QUIT!”