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Thursday, March 28, 2024

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Thursday, March 28, 2024

THUMPING TO THE BEAT

Kim Woojin’s recent sojourn in the state has been a success, given the audience reception of his performance at the Northeast Regatta, 2023. Aparmita Das interviews the K-pop artiste on his experience of performing in this part of India.

By Aparmita Das

From the soulful melodies of the duitara to the high-spirited strums of the electric guitar, music is an integral part of Meghalayan culture, bringing together individuals – both national and international – from diverse backgrounds and beliefs.

At the recently-concluded Northeast Regatta, 2023, music served as the common thread, bringing people together for an evening of shared experiences and emotions in a celebration of their culture and love for music.

“Testing, testing, one two three… Mic check, can someone kindly ensure the sound is crystal clear? Let’s fix those wires, folks,” exclaimed the tireless organisers, as preparations were underway for the concert. By then, the talented performers had arrived at the venue.

The first to take centre stage for the soundcheck was none other than the highly anticipated headlining act of the night – a figure in a crisp white sleeveless tee, ripped denim and sporting a trendy bucket hat, catching the attention of a few onlookers.

Unbeknownst to many, it was none other than the talented Kim Woojin.

“Has he arrived already?” one person exclaimed. Another said, “Hold on, let’s stand here. He is supposed to pass by this way.”

After a brief break, he emerged, ready to meet and greet his eager fans who had been waiting patiently on the deck. The atmosphere was electric as admirers clamoured for a glimpse of their beloved artiste.

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow across the Umiam lake, the much-awaited concert finally kicked off. The stage was first taken over by a dynamic local band hailing from Jowai, whose infectious beats had the audience swaying to the rhythm in no time.

They set the tone for the night, and the other artists that followed left no stone unturned in delivering unforgettable performances that left the crowd yearning for more.

The line-up featured the crème de la crème of Meghalaya’s music scene; each musician pouring their heart and soul into their sets.

The energy was palpable, and the audience was captivated by every note that reverberated through the air. From soul-stirring ballads to high-octane rock anthems, the music transcended all genres, connecting people of all ages and backgrounds through the universal language of melody.

And now the wait began for the headliner…

With a resounding “Wooooojinnnnn” that echoed through the air, emcee Mirchi RJ Nicky electrified the audience, stirring them into a frenzy. The sea of eager faces awaited the arrival of K-Pop sensation Kim Woojin – the air was charged with a sense of anticipation and enchantment.

The man of the hour appeared on stage, dressed in a stunning net white shirt and ripped jeans, and his silver jewellery glinting in the light.

When he began singing a cover of Ed Sheeran’s Castle on the hill – a hush fell over the place, as if a spell had been cast, transporting everyone to another realm.

On his personal favourite song to perform live, the artiste considered his options carefully, and chose Castle on the Hill, a track known for its infectious energy and upbeat tempo. “I love performing this song because it really gets the crowd going,” he explained.

As the words, gidaryojusyoso gamsahamnida escaped his lips during his opening ment, Woojin’s eyes widened in surprise. “Oh! Wait a moment, you all understand Korean?” he exclaimed, marvelling at the realisation that almost everyone present understood Korean.

He could not help but express his astonishment at the incredible linguistic prowess displayed by the Indian CUBS.

“It was truly remarkable to witness their appreciation and understanding of Korean culture,” he said, adding that this experience was one of the most unforgettable moments of his journey.

In his unbridled enthusiasm to connect with his audience, Woojin may not have realised the profound adoration for the Korean language here. Undeterred, he graced his audience with a selection of three English songs, eager to showcase his versatility.

But it was not long before the allure of his mother tongue beckoned, and Woojin performed his stirring Korean compositions, including a rendition of Jungkook’s Euphoria. “Well, I have always been enamoured by this song’s melody, and its lyrical composition speaks volumes to me. I felt that it would complement my vocal style and bring out the best in me as a performer.”

One song stood out like a beacon in the night – Still Dream.

As the opening notes of the song filled the air, the audience erupted in cheers of delight.

Woojin’s eyes shone with joy and wonder as he gazed out at the sea of faces, disbelief etched on his features. For in that moment, he realised that his music had touched the hearts of these people. They knew his songs, felt his lyrics, and loved him with an intensity that took his breath away. “That was something beyond my wildest imagination! Witnessing such a tremendous fan base was truly remarkable.”

He further added, “I feel deeply moved by the love and support I received from Indian CUBS. It has inspired me to visit India again and personally meet my fans.”

The weather of Meghalaya is known for its capriciousness, often surprising even the most seasoned travellers… such that one can never be too prepared for what Mother Nature has in store.

When the skies opened up during Woojin’s soundcheck, he was taken aback. “I had never encountered anything like this before. Despite my initial shock, the staff members present demonstrated their professionalism and ensured that the show went on without a hitch. Thanks to their efforts, I was able to focus on my rehearsal once again,” he confided.

Despite this, the atmosphere remained electric – the devoted crowd proved to be a source of unwavering support.

“I was overjoyed and felt deeply appreciated. Sharing those happy moments with the CUBS was unforgettable, and I felt a strong bond between us. I must confess, I was astounded and humbled by the sheer number of fans who expressed their admiration towards me during my time in India. I did not know that there would be so many fans who liked me in India,” he said.

In an instant, the venue fell silent as the music ceased. The audience, taken aback, assumed the concert had reached its conclusion. But, a departure sans farewell? Nay, such a thing could not be.

There he was, triumphantly returning to the stage for the highly anticipated encore.

As the sweet melody of Purple Sky began, the fans were held captive, almost spellbound. Every word sung by the masterful performer was imbued with an enchanting quality, moving many to tears. Indeed, it was a sight to behold!

Purple Sky held a special place as the album’s final masterpiece, intended for a specific time of day. “Purple Sky is the last track of my album The Moment: A minor, and it is a song for the dawn,” Woojin explained, adding, “One day, I could not sleep and I looked up to the sky and there was a moment that sky turned into purple. So I was inspired by that moment and started to write a song about it. That’s how I made Purple Sky.”

The enthusiasm and excitement of his fanbase was a sight to behold. Not only did they receive him with open arms, he left a lasting impression in the minds of the people at the concert.

On his experience, he said, “Performing in Meghalaya was an incredible experience. It was my first time performing outdoors, and I had so much fun. The unique setting and the energy of the crowd made it an unforgettable experience. I have performed in many different places before, but this was one of the most memorable,” he said, conveying his deep appreciation for the opportunity.

“I will cherish this memory for a long time and I am already looking forward to coming back to India again,” he added, with a smile.

Indeed, people of the state have the capacity to host international artistes, particularly those from the K-pop industry. Given the love for this genre in the region, it has become a platform for talent to shine.

While Woojin was undoubtedly the star of the show, the festival also gave local musicians a chance to showcase their talents.

Artistes like Lynx, Ricaa Stella, Banrap, Rum & Monkeys, and LB3, among others, captivated the audience with their unique sounds and performances. True to the love for music, the crowd appreciated and cherished these homegrown talents.

Going forward, we can hope for music to thrive here.

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