Da Minot, Meghalaya’s acclaimed band, aims to play a humble role in preserving and promoting what they see as one of humanity’s greatest treasures. With this aim, it has unveiled their latest song and music video titled – Ri Shongpdeng Pyrthei – meaning Land at the Centre of the World in Khasi.
This release, under Rynsan Records, delves into the origin story of the Hynñiewtrep Hynñiewskum (Seven Huts, Seven Families), believed to be the ancestors of the region’s indigenous Khasi-Jaintia people.
Ri Shongpdeng Pyrthei masterfully blends traditional Khasi wisdom with contemporary music, highlighting three core cultural principles: KAMAI ÏA KA HOK (Earn Righteousness), TIP KUR TIP KHA (Know Your Matrilineal and Patrilineal Relations), and TIP BRIEW TIP BLEI (Understand Your Fellow Man to Understand the Divine and the Self).
The accompanying music video showcases the region’s stunning landscapes and historical figures such as U Woh Kiang Nangbah and U Babu Jeebon Roy. Besides, it features the traditional dance Ka Chad Chiphiah, believed to be the first dance performed on Earth. The visuals capture diverse locations across the Khasi-Jaintia hills, accentuating cultural values, human interactions, and the transmission of knowledge.
Da Minot, while responsible for the music composition and performance, refrains from taking credit for the lyrics. They assert that “the words and wisdom have always existed since the beginning of time and belong to the Hynñiewtrep”. The song’s lyrics are a testament to Khasi oral literature.
The release of Ri Shongpdeng Pyrthei coincided with the World Music Day on June 21. The project is anchored in the philosophy of Ïeid Ïalade bad Burom ïa jong Kiwei meaning love yourself and respect that of others.
Da Minot’s lineup includes Priyo Laloo (vocals, duitara), Hammarsing Kharhmar (electric guitar, bass), Dajied Sing Kharkongor (bom, ksiing kynthei, shaker), Swissco Sunn (ksing shynrang, kynshaw, padiah), Melvyn Kharumnuid (drums), and Marwan Rymbai (flute). Guest artists Joyfully Kharhunai and Synrop Shabong provided backing vocals.
Through their music, Da Minot aspires to spark interest in indigenous knowledge and create new art forms deeply rooted in local culture. Their work consistently draws inspiration from the rhythms, melodies, and wisdom of the land and its people.
