Exclusive Interview with Shillong rapper Banjop Kupar Nongbri

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By Christopher Gatphoh

EXCLUSIVES| July 12, 2020

Music is food for the soul and a turbulent time like COVID-19 (Coronavirus), the need to uplift the spirit, music becomes more important than ever. A well composed song brings to light what we call the 'writing on the wall'.

TNT-The Northeast Today caught up via telephonic conversion with Shillong rapper Banjop Kupar Nongbri(BKN) to find out about the journey of rapping and more.

TNT: There is always a story to tell when someone makes it this big. How has the journey been so far both when you were in the band and as an individual as well?

BKN: Personally, the journey has been a learning process. There has been a lot of struggles and sacrifices with regards to music but being able to cope with these things has made me believe that people who are actively involved in my growth process have been monumental in building the platform where I am today. I want to extend my gratitude to Stunnahbeatz (Rajdeep Sinha) who is in my eyes- the best producer in India. He saw potential in me when no one was there from the music scene. We would sit for countless days recording and studying the art, he drove purpose into incorporating the vision of what needs to be executed in order to make it big in this industry.

I also want to thank DJ Knack (Duncan Kharmalki) who has been so instrumental in providing me with a platform to shine in live events & concerts, fervently there, pushing me towards reaching my targets without compromising the artistic aspect of things. It's just a start but we are nowhere near complete. Hoping for better things to come.

TNT: Tell us about your album Hip Hop 'Trophies' which was released sometime in January. What would you like to promise the listeners with any upcoming new album?

BKN: So Trophies is a single, one of the two songs I recorded in T.M.P studios (Mawlai, Kynton Massar, Shillong). Big props to Franksinister (Erick Kharsyiemiong) who works as the sound engineer and producer for handling all the mixing and mastering. I'm working on singles as of now but in the near future, we are working on my first E.P (extended play). 

Listeners will get a glimpse of what goes on in my mind, shaded in different emotions and will be able to relate to the simple things in life that they see around them but don't take notice.

Reflection is what they will hear.

TNT: Ever since taking up a solo career, you have constantly done a number of albums. Having said that, is there any particular album that in your view has done considerably well or is the best yet to come?

BKN: Again, as of now, (due to the COVID-19) there have not been any albums from my side. But I see doing albums after my E.P is completed. There's plenty of content from my side.

TNT: Everyone thinks of retirement someday. Will the singing ever stop for you? And if so what will be the alternative for it?

BKN: Well if I am to stop rapping & singing, it will be to mentor and help father the scene here in our region. Creating a bridge for young, hungry and passionate artists to be steered in the right way to success.

Music can become a livelihood if approached technically and professionally.

TNT: Who is Banjop when he is away from music?

BKN: Outside of music, professionally I'm currently working as the Junior Mentor- Innovation Hub, Shillong Science Centre. It's interesting and fulfilling to be able to work with kids & innovators to come up with new ways of thinking and solutions to a presented problem.

On a personal level, however, I keep a small but tight circle of people consisting of close friends and family. It's important for me that I'm surrounded by the authentic people who have my back at all times. It's important for me that I am surrounded by positivity.

Anything less is cast aside. In what-ever I do, in and of music, they are the first people I approach and depend on for any sort of advice or help.

TNT: Anything you would like to share with our readers?

BKN: I hope TNT-The Northeast Today readers do check out my new EP when it will be released. As of now, we haven't finalized on a date but it will be something worth listening to. 

Keep supporting local good talent. Artists are nothing without fans and their listeners. Stay blessed and stay safe always. "To Nangroi"- Keep on progressing.