Those who are blessed by the God die young, someone said it. This however does not mean that young men and women to make it appear as if they have been blessed by the God should attempt to die young. Noted singer Khun Joykumar heart throb of lakhs of Manipuri fans died young as he was only 62 when he died. He sang more than one thousand songs, all melodious and well tuned. He was really talented as a composer and singer. He is different from others. He used accompanying music perfectly in all his songs either sung or composed by him. There is a story about how saxophone became a part of the orchestra group in live concert. He met Dhana band master at a recording centre while setting tune for a film. He heard saxophone blown by Dhana and then invited him to join the orchestra group. Prior to that saxophone though popular in Hindi film songs was not part of the modern Manipuri song. When he is on stage he looks around to see if all the musicians are ready to go with him. He starts his presentation by counting one, two, three, four. Music comes out profusely and he then jumps into the well set tune. Such type of song is a treat to the ears. He is one such composer, who thinks sentimental song should not be sung slowly with accompanying music almost nil. His “Nugshiba Hooni” was sung to the pulsating beat of tabla and accompanying music blaring loud. Music organ players reflect their upbeat mood when they see Khuna Joykumar around them on stage. “Sibu thoina haraobabau leibara” composed by him, which is sung to the beat of dholop in the film Ingallei is purely original and it reveals intrinsic beauty of Manipuri song. Such a great man, such a big singer, actor and composer all combined died penniless. That is sad. Shumang leela Ishei singers say, Khun Joykumar does not take much time in composing songs. They rush to him whenever a new production is launched. The songs composed by him are in demand and he composes song after grasping the theme and situation of the play. Wonderful thing about this great man is that when he was too young he had composed songs for the singers senior to him. He was a big soul. If a singer starts singing his song as his own he will stop singing the same song. He has given it to him without telling. He was a wizard in his own field. It will be difficult to trace a song, sung or composed by him, that is boring. All are sweet to hear. Forever Joykumar will remain forever. All his songs will remain green forever. Unfortunately he was not an approved singer of the AIR Imphal. When he was asked to sit for audition he refused to do so. A great singer requires no test. He had passed away. It will be difficult to fill up the vacuum caused by his death. Let him rest in peace.
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/forever-joykumar/
