Musicians from Kerala's tribal communities finally getting what they're owed. Learning to protect copyrights, earn royalties. Big deal for artists long treated unfairly in music industry,say NGO reps focused on cultural preservation.
One standout is Nanjiamma, singer from Attappadi in Palakkad. She hit national fame after winning National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer with her viral song "Kalakkatha" from movie Ayyappanum Koshiyum. Her win is significant as many indigenous artists still struggle financially .
Independent festivals,archival groups giving these musicians platform without commercial pressures. Young artists mixing traditional sounds with modern genres like jazz . Expanding their reach.
In August,eight artists from Wayanad's Paniya and Kattunaika communities joined a five-day camp in Kolkata,West Bengal. Called "Living Roots Originals," organized by Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS) with backing from Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs. They learned about industry,copyright laws,monetizing their work.
M.R. Mini,or Mini ‘Kanavu’,attended the camp and earlier participated in the Earthlore Fellowship by the Archival and Research Project (ARPO). She stressed need to understand business side of songwriting and recording. “We learned to reach more people and the importance of copyright and royalties,” she said,building on her past experiences .
But many artists still talk about being underpaid or exploited in commercial music. Some camp participants, speaking anonymously,voiced frustration over low pay. Talked about people dodging copyright laws, affecting their income.
K. Prasad,a lyricist and camp participant, stressed recording and preserving traditional music and folklore. Many artists unaware of their legal rights. “After the fellowship and camp,we learned how to monetize our work effectively,” he said, mentioning platforms like YouTube as revenue sources.
Overall,25 artists from eight communities across five states attended the camp. They created original songs reflecting their cultural heritage,guided by experienced musicians. All participants get free IPRS enrollment,ensuring they keep authorship and rights to songs made during the event.
Sruthin Lal, executive director of ARPO,highlighted challenges faced by historically marginalized communities in music industry. “If cultural heritage,including songs and language, is to be preserved, community members need proper livelihood from it.” His words echo as efforts continue to empower Kerala's tribal musicians…and beyond .
