Somashekar Jois is a practitioner of konnakkol, an ancient language that has been mentioned in Indian scriptures and the Vedas. Although konnakkol once enjoyed pride of place in Carnatic concerts, over the years it became a rare event in recitals. Even as almost all musicians, especially percussionists, continue to learn the rhythm syllables, not many are keen on rendering it aloud as patterns of sound in a concert. As Somashekar delved deeper into the intricacies of konnakkol, he was convinced that it was his calling. Since then, the musician has devoted himself to learning, performing and popularising konnakkol, the art of reciting the language of Carnatic percussion.
Founder of the World Konnakkol Academy in Bengaluru, Somashekar is dedicated to popularising the the nuances of konnakkol far and wide. His scintillating performance at the Swathi Sangeetotsavam in Thiruvananthapuram was one of the highlights of the 10-day fete.
In an interview, 35-year-old Somashekar talks about his livelihood and passion.
How and why did you, a mridangam player of repute, decide to specialise in konnakkol?
As a student of veteran K.N. Krishnamoorthy since the age of six, I was adept at playing the instrument and had begun giving small concerts.
I had an innate talent as a mimic and used to mimic my teachers, birds, actors and so on. In that way, I used to mimic my teachers reciting konnakkol. Its combination of syllables is the way most percussionists learn to play a wide variety of percussion instruments such as mridangam, morsing, ghatam and thavil. That is when some of my elders suggested that I should perfect the art of konnakkol and become a konnakkol artiste. It is not easy to become one because the performer needs clarity, correct diction, modulation and range in addition to being an erudite musician with an in-depth knowledge of rhythm. I continue to imbibe from my gurus B.C. Manjunath and K.V. Prasad. I have been learning different aspects of the art from eminent legends in the field of rhythm and konnakkol and each has honed my talent.
Why do you think konnakkol has become a rarity in Carnatic music concerts?
At one time, there were stalwarts in the field. However, the advent of microphones and technology may have had a role to play in its decline as a crowd-puller. Prior to the arrival of technology on the stage, the artistes had to have a loud voice to ensure that they were audible to the entire audience. Once, the system changed, these veterans may not have been able to adjust to the changes and may have been too loud to the ears of the listeners. Moreover, perhaps, some of the artistes compromised on aesthetics and relied only on maths and technique. As a result, konnakkol began to lose favour with the listeners and started disappearing from Carnatic concert stages. It was the dedication of a few eminent practitioners that has kept it from vanishing completely.
How was your journey as a konnakkol artiste?
It was not easy. I had to face a lot of rejection and humiliation before I was able to find a niche in the concert circuit. Some leading artists refused to perform with me when they learnt that I was supposed to accompany them as a konnakkol artiste. But all that is in the past. Now, it has its own draw. There are many fans for this fascinating musical form. More than an addition factor for applause or surprise effect, konnakkol’s melody, cadence and potential have won many fans for it. To propagate this art form, I decided to devote myself wholly to it. I resigned my highly paid job and concentrated on becoming a konnakkol artiste. Now, I can say confidently that there is a bright future for this.
As founder of the World Konnakkol Academy, how do you plan to take this institution ahead?
The Academy has a wide range of courses for learning konnakkol and conducts workshops for different kinds of professionals. One needs dedication and single-minded passion for popularising this. I have students in the UK and the US and also in India. That shows the reach of the musical form. In addition, it has many benefits for body, mind and soul. It is a mood enhancer and speech therapists are working on incorporating konnakkol syllables into their treatment.
Students must learn an art form for the love of it and not to gain concerts, fame or money. If you are sincere in your efforts to keep learning an art form, concerts, applause, fame...everything will follow. In my case, it is my passion and my life.
Check out www.worldkonnakkolacademy.com