By Rupadai Seenaraine
Music is an art that is used to determine the cultural identity of many people and it has evolved throughout the centuries since its existence. In fact, we see changes every day in the way it is portrayed to suit varying audiences.
Tassa drumming is one such musical art form that has nestled its way into Guyana via the indentured immigrants and has evolved throughout the region. While the practice is something that many enjoy on celebrative occasions, it is something that is also appreciated by all who would dance according to the beats of the different instruments that are used to create one unique sound.
Furthermore, while it is popularly seen with persons who invest all of their time into perfecting these beats, those who haven’t heard of the idea of a fashion designer, comedian, technician, photographer and chemistry student as versatile musicians are up for a treat.
The Dynamic Tassa Troupe is a group of young lads who are known for their heart throbbing performances and according to them “it pushes the boundaries of all rhythms”. For them, they have experimented with modern beats and have now been able to bring a change to the stage by incorporating chutney, soca and calypso rhythms into the olden style of drumming. But this is just a part time activity that the lads have incorporated into their busy schedules and professional careers. This is a mere hobby and their fulltime job still awaits when their weekend is over.
In fact, the nine of them are quite talented and are responsible for a different component which compliments their performances. Currently, the group consists of Ray Khan, the fashion designer who is recognized for branding their group with his remarkable taste in clothing; Navindra Jaimangal, the interior decorator and floor specialist; Chanshekhar Jaimangal, the guy who is titled as the jack of all trades for his ability to pursue numerous musical instruments; Mohan Singh, the comedian and actor; Deepak Rupchand, the one with a quick notch for instruments such as the keyboard and guitar; Chanderpaul Jaimanjal, an outstanding chemistry student; Jagdeo Persaud, the barber and Subhash Haimraj and Kevin Somwaru, the guys behind the camera that captures their unforgettable moments.
But this journey of theirs which began some nine years ago started some time ago when practicing musical instruments was just a leisure activity. While ruminating on their journey which has brought both admiration and fame, the guys explained that it was never planned. Three of them, who are brothers, recalled the day that they were given their first sets of instruments about nine years ago by an uncle who saw their passion for drumming.
“Our love for tassa and music grew with each event or play out we encountered. The bonds between this group also grew a lot and we now cherish each other as brothers more than just band mates,” one of them said.
From then, practice sessions were happening every day and folks were treated to their performances at cultural programs and small venues, after which they would include other tassa enthusiasts and developed exceptional pieces of music.
However, in 2014 the group was officially formed and they branded themselves under the name The Dynamic Tassa Troupe. From their recollections from then onwards, the group recalls participating in a number of events on the coast and the interior locations, at pageants and motorcades; weddings and fundraisers.
“We played for a lot of events and to say the truth we enjoy them all, just going out there and just having fun with our clients. But if we had to narrow it down to some of the best ones, we would say working in Karia Karia.”
They have participated in innumerable events in the past but just a few months ago marked their first participation in a competition. At the Dubraj Tassarama 2018, they secured the second place while stealing the prize for the Best All Round Performance. They were part of the Miss Earth Pageant just a few days ago and are currently participating in Drum Festival Competition 2018 which is set for July 15. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)
