It’s rap all the way

Nonika Singh

The debate on Punjabi music rages on... its content “daaru” and “goliyaan” often draws flak and reaps commercial dividends at the same time. But Jagmeet Bal stands unmindful of the passing fads or ongoing trends, as much as by the commerce of it all. As his latest single Rabba is just out, the singer shares how social issues and concerns drive him and his creativity.

If back in time, he created an anthem for the NGO Nanhi Chhaon, today he is expressing his thoughts on terrorism. Singer, lyricist and video director, he is a master of many a trade. He began his career as a video director. From Pammi Bai to Hans Raj Hans, he has created videos for many singers worth their salt.

Punjabi virsa and virasat are dear to him. But those who believe Punjabi music, especially its videos have gone places (read viral too) in past few decades, he reminds, “There is a difference between qualitative content and technological prowess.”

Of course, his videos employ cutting edge technological innovations too. His single Rabba’s visual effects juxtaposing real images with phantasmagoria are exemplary or as he puts it, “Hollywood style.”

Rabba, in fact, is intriguing not only thematically but also visually. Is a song meant to be seen or heard? He answers, “In today’s time, the visual impact of a song can’t be denied or undermined.”

Indeed, the genesis of the song always lies in thought and emotion. As he feels strongly about the growing menace of terrorism, Rabba poured straight from his heart. Perturbed by the plight of the girl child, especially the unborn daughters, he brought forth the issue of female foeticide in rap style number Aa Thu. Bhagat Singh’s ideology and 1984 riots figure in other works of his.

A lyricist-singer and director, he speaks in several voices and takes all his roles seriously. Video direction is anyway, his bread and butter. The director in him might helm a Punjabi film. You bet it won’t be just another run-off-the mill subject but one that will awaken the conscience of people. Just as the song Rabba’s poster campaign went; download to upload peace, his mantra in life is to touch the human core.

His approach may not be all-too subtle and might appear overtly sentimental, a trifle melodramatic too at times. Yet with heart and intent in the right place, he makes people see and feel what is often ignored under the onslaught of market pressures. Out of the rat race, he however raps all the way to millions of views. This graduate from the Government College of Art, Chandigarh, has always chucked the luxury of a cushy job and has been more than willing to take a chance and flow against the tide.