Khasi Cymru Music artistes to perform in Wales for a month
Musicians perform 'Na Ri Ba Jngai', a tribute composition by Aijingkmen Janong and Ïateilang Lyngdoh Sangriang
Shillong, Sept 30: The Khasi Cymru Music from Shillong is visiting Wales as part of a cultural exchange programme, and the musicians will be performing there for a month.
Speaking to Meghalaya Monitor on the phone from Wales, Balasiewdor Ryntathiang said the group arrived on September 25 and already had a performance at the Thomas Jones Presbyterian Church.
The song that they performed was Na Ri Ba Jngai. It is a tribute composition by Aijingkmen Janong and Ïateilang Lyngdoh Sangriang, performed by Khasi Cymru Music, comprising Aijingkmen Janong, Barnadien Lapherna Lyngdoh Mawnai, Balasiewdor Ryntathiang, Livandi Bateilang Kharkongor, and Risaka Nancy Pyrbot.
“This song honours Thomas Jones, the pioneering missionary from the Presbyterian Church of Wales who introduced the Khasi alphabet, earning him the title ‘Father of the Khasi Alphabets’. It expresses gratitude to God for sending him to bring education and Christianity to the Khasi people, profoundly shaping their identity in faith and learning,” Ryntathiang explained.
Earlier, Janong visited Wales for a solo performance, and “he did a great job”.
“This time, we are all performing here, and it is a really special occasion for all of us. We are grateful to all our supporters and everyone back home,” said the young musician, an alumnus of Martin Luther Christian University.
The Khasi-Cymru is a cultural and musical collaboration between the Khasi and the Welsh.
Talking about the exchange programme, Ryntathiang said the initiative helps in cultural preservation and helps musicians understand the music rooted in their tradition.
“This exchange programme between two cultures calls for innovation and creativity. Also, musicians get international exposure and experience community engagement in different parts of the world,” she added.
