Mad Decent Dharavi (Mumbai)
Heaps Decent, part of the Mad Decent Label, based in Philadelphia, US, organizes events that involve recording, archiving and composing music with urban communities around the world. The URBZ team worked closely with its member DJ and ethnomusicologist Paul Devro in Dharavi. This project was entirely sponsored by URBZ’s initiative in Dharavi, dharavi.organic.
During March 2008, Paul recorded and composed music with residents of Koliwada Dharavi, by organizing impromptu ‘Koliwada Idol’ sessions, ferreting out musicians and singers from streets and homes, recording local songs and musical forms and then recycling the whole experience in his own performances.
In January 2009 Paul returned and helped organize ‘Dharavi Dhun‘ – an intensive week-long musical workshop involving school children of Dharavi, local young rappers and Bappi Lahiri. According to the notes of the URBZ team helping Paul, ‘The school students of ‘Dr. Ambedkar School’ were eager and enthusiastic from the word go.
Individual auditions were first held, with children singing a range of songs, from their school prayer to Marathi and Bollywood hits, including the current rage ‘Pappu can’t dance!’. Some students were so enthusiastic to sing and perform that they chose to dazzle Paul with their brilliant dance moves. ‘There’s just so much talent waiting to be discovered here,’ said an elated Paul.
Paul Devro recording children at Dharavi school
The children proceeded to sing some of their favourite nursery rhymes including ‘Butterfly, Butterfly, in and out’ (sung to the tune of twinkle, twinkle, little star) and ‘Pat-a-Cake, Pat-a-Cake.’ This was followed by some interesting synchronised drills involving Dandiya sticks. The week ended with a spectacular party that brought together the music of Bappi Lahiri, Paul Devro, the South Dandy Squad ( a group of Dharavi rappers) and new found singers from Dharavi – Geetesh, Amruta, Shubam, Gunjalam and Aditya.
When asked by CEMA ’s media forum ‘Indian Exposure’ if they would soon rap about their exprience working with Paul Devro and Dharavi.org, the South Dandy Squad affirmed their involvement with the project “respect to Dharavi.org, one song is there in our album, we are writing the lyrics for that, we will be doing it.”
The event attracted not only the communities attention but also the attention of the press who covered the announcement of Bappi Lahiri’s new album – Slum Stars – featuring five young singers from Dharavi. For Bappi Lahiri this was a chance to find new talent “I think its a big big break for these children. I think we will get beautiful talent here.” And sure enough the energy and impact of the event is evident in what was eventually produced.
Auditions
The students of Class 3 and 4 of Shree Gansh Vidya Primary School, Dharavi, were in for a surprise visit when DJ Paul Devro and students of CEMA (Centre or Experimental Media Arts at Srishiti School of Arts) arrived to conduct auditions to find talented singers for a new album by Paul Devro and Bappi Lahiri. The students were eager and enthusiastic for the word go!
Dharavi Idol: Episode 1
DJ Paul being interviewed by NDTV.
Recording at Bappi’s Studio: We are One!
Five students were selected to perform alongside Bappi Da for his new album, interestingly named ‘Slumstars‘. The students were thrilled to visit Lahiri House, home of Bappi Da’s recording studio. The home of ‘Ultimate Disco King’ is not disappointing for bling lovers. Aside from the multiple gold and platinum records lining the walls, Bappi Da’s multiple gold chains and diamond-encrusted gold watch left everyone breathtaken.
Inside his studio, Bappi Da was seated on a small gold and glittery cushion. From here, he would suddenly burst into a tuneful song which he had just written on scraps of paper. Along with DJ Paul, Bappi and the students easily created music.
Accompanying the students were their parents and family members, who, if possible, were more excited. ‘It’s like a dream come true,’ laughed Umesh, Geetesh’s Uncle. ‘I’ve sung all of Bappi Da’s songs since I was a child. From Bambai se aaya mera dost to I am a disco dancer. To finally meet him is just unbelievable. And for our children to have this opportunity to perform with him… I’m speechless.’
After the album is remixed by DJ Paul, the proceeds from the international sales will be channeled back to Shree Ganesh Vidya Mandir Primary School, through Paul Devro’s endeavour – Heaps Decent.
Outside Bappi Da’s house.
The singers and their parents, urrounded by Bappi Da’s platinum records.
Awaiting Bappi Da’s instructions at the studio
The stars (Clockwise from bottom left) – Geetesh, Amruta, Gunjala, Shubham and Aditya.
A spectacular end to a week long search for music in Dharavi, brought together the music of Bappi Lahiri, Paul Devro, the South Dandy Squad and new found singers – Geetesh, Amruta, Shubam, Gunjalam and Aditya.
When asked by Indian Exposure if they would soon rap about their exprience working with Paul Devro and Dharavi.org, the South Dandy Squad affirmed their involvement with the project “respect to Dharavi.org, one song is there in our album, we are writing the lyrics for that, we will be doing it.”
The event attracted, not only the communities attention but also the attention of the press who covered the ongoing research of Dharavi.org, Heaps Decent’s India project headed by Paul Devro and the announcement of Bappi Lahiri’s new album – Slum Stars – featuring five young singers from Dharavi.
For Bappi Lahiri this was a chance to find new talent “I think its a big big break for these children. I think we will get beautiful talent here.”
And sure enough the energy and impact of the event is evident in what Mrs. Kiran Khandhare ( Aditya’s mother had to say) “I always knew my son could sing. He would sing along to songs playing on the TV and Radio, but for him to sing with Bappi Lahiri is a dream.”
Dharavi.org and Mad Decent together in search of music
Paul Devro, Bappi Lahiri, Gunjala, Geetesh, Aditya, Shubam and Amruta
Press Coverage of the event
Indian Exposure with Mr. Umesh, resident of Dharavi.
Party time.
