Catching up with 4th Element’s frontman Ribor: Of Music & COVID-19

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By Gabriel Momin

FEATURE | JULY 30, 2020:

While the COVID battle is ongoing, artists are trying ways and means to launch their productions, given the technological benefits. Nothing can stop the highly spirited personality even at the toughest of times. Once again, one of the renowned figures in the music industry has come up with his new feature album to break all the barriers that try to stop artists from moving on.

He needs no introduction; the one who has knitted and refined jazz-funk; He is the founder of 4th Element, Ribor Mb.

He reckons that it was his wish since 2013 to come up with a feature album to explore the vast dimensions of the musical world along with his co-musicians.

With patience and the years spinning, it has finally taken shape and we shall hear from the artist himself. Ribor spoke to TNT-The Northeast Today about his new album "It's not the end" and his upcoming plans. As I said earlier, nothing can stop the highly spirited personality. Could be you too!

1. What made you decide to come up with a solo album knowing the fact that you are the frontman of 4th Element? Who are the songwriters in this album and also tell us about the music in it.

Ribor: I've always wanted to come up with my album that will feature many artists since 2013. But since I was too busy with my studio projects as well as touring with the band, I did not have the time to complete it. The album consists of 11 songs, of which three are instrumentals that I had composed and arranged.

The other five songs in the album are songs that I had co-written with friends- Fred, Nicholas Dunn, Desmond Sunn, Sarah Lee, and (L) Aiban Lyndem.

There are two Khasi songs in the album, and one of them is a song from The Na Rympei album, which came out 15 years ago. We've managed to rearrange the song that features Na Rympei.

The second Khasi song is a song my father (L) Dr.Hamlet Bareh Ngapkynta wrote for the first Khasi movie 'Syjuk Ri Ki Laiphew Syiem' which he produced and directed. This song featured 4th Element. The music in the album has a touch of Funk, RnB, Pop, and Jazz, and most of the songs talk about being positive in life.

2. Who are the artists featured in this album?

Ribor: This album features local artists, national and one international
artist; Fred, Sarah lee, Sonia Saigal, Arjun Sen, Eliane Ahmherd, LB King, Na Rympei, Shepherd Najiar, Filix Langstieh, 4th Element, Amabel Susngi, Andrew Ranee, and a few others.

3. On which sites and platforms is the album available?

Ribor: The album is available on Google music, I tunes, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Spotify, and others as well.

4. How has COVID affected the musicians?

Ribor: I think COVID has affected everyone, especially us musicians and artists whose livelihood depends on playing live music. It is a difficult time for everyone, and I request people to help us, musicians, by contributing to artists or bands who are live streaming on Facebook and other platforms. Also, support musicians who have something in store for sale, like an album or single or Eps, rather than streaming it for free. This way, a small kind of revenue will help all the other musicians, including me. So I request everyone to help and support musicians.

5. Upcoming plans?

Ribor: As for me, this pandemic is Not the End, and I will keep playing, composing records, and release more songs and albums. Also, we will start working on 4th Element's second album soon.

"Be strong and positive, and have faith in God"

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