A•bri Mandi – Man from the Hills is a heartfelt homage to my homeland — a musical tribute to the hills, people and culture that shaped who I am. The album carries my love, admiration and deep connection to my A•chik roots, expressed through seven songs that capture the essence of our life, land and traditions. The tribe, who resides in the beautiful Garo Hills of Meghalaya, and parts of Assam and Bangladesh, celebrates life in a unique way.
Each track tells a story:
Ahoea paints the life of a humble villager — simple, grounded and full of warmth.
Krimkro celebrates unity, festival, dance and the spirit of community that defines the hills.
Dimdimchong expresses love for one’s land, marvelling at its beauty and the bond shared with nature.
NanggoreGoserong (A Tribute) is a heartfelt homage to an old folk song I grew up listening to — a bridge between memory and melody, honouring the songs that shaped my musical roots.
Mai Jingjing revives the playful innocence of childhood through rhymes inspired by old Garo games.
Me•gong Bibal (Reprise) welcomes the joy of winter, when the Me•gong blossoms bring a season of love and renewal.
Jakgitel (Revisit) closes the album with a prayer — a yearning for peace, harmony and the enduring love of the land.
Through Man from the Hills, I return to where it all began — to the stories, sounds and spirit of home.
(Mikhail Marak is a singer, songwriter, music producer and sound technician. He received international acclaim for his work in the Sikkimese film, Shape of Momo)
Photos by Elvachisa Sangma
