New Delhi: After a slew of reality shows that dominated most of its prime time slot, MTV India seems to be going back to what it originally was - a music channel that brought together the best of the world music - through an aptly named show: roots.
With music fans watching Coke Studio @ MTV June 17, the channel had another musical surprise on the same day with the show MTV Roots. It was a 30-minute programme, promoting bands of South Asia that are not so popular in India.
Songs from bands like Delhi 2 Dublin, Avial, Mixman Shawn, Mekaal Hasan Band and Jernade Miah featured during the show that enchanted quite a lot of viewers. Through the programme, MTV is providing an opportunity for artists who are big in the local gig circuit and on Youtube, but have not yet achieved the mainstream platform. Unlike Coke Studio, the show does not feature live performances but the music videos of various artists.
Social networking websites were full of messages saying that the launch of MTV Roots as compared to Coke Studio was better.
With two back-to-back music shows on MTV, the channel seems to be returning to what it was initially – A music channel. The two-hour combo of Coke Studio and Roots has brought in amazing music time for the audiences.
Episode 1 of MTV Roots rocks it
MTV Roots started with a song by the Punjabi band 'Delhi 2 Dublin'. Delhi 2 Dublin is a world music group whose style is primarily a fusion of Bhangra and Celtic music. The Delhi 2 Dublin crew are road warriors. They have played major festivals in both Canada and the US.
Next it featured a song from the Kerala based band Avial. It is an Indian alternative rock band formed in 2003. The band's music is a fusion of native folk music from Kerala and Alternative Rock.
Next Video was by Mixman Shawn.Mixman Shawn started his musical journey back in India. As a child he was exposed to the captivating sounds of Indian music, primarily through his uncle (Qadir), a respected Punjabi vocalist. Mixman often accompanied his uncle to shows, where he soaked up the energetic buzz of the live performances.
Another song came in from Pakistan band 'The Mekaal Hasan'. Formed in 2001 in Lahore, Pakistan, The Mekaal Hasan Band is one of those bands who have stood the test of time. Audiences around the world have enjoyed their distinct-sounding music, which blends classical sangeet, jazz and Sufi rock.
The last band to feature was from Bangladesh Jernade Miah. He is a 19 year old singer/songwriter/dancer and latest addition to DohPointNau (part of 2Point9 Records) who are credited with starting the careers of Jay Sean, Rishi Rich, Juggy D and Veronica Mehta.
So, for all you music lovers, MTV has now made Friday evening a perfect weekend musical evening. MTV Coke Studio’s official Facebook page even said on Friday, "You wanted music? Here you go." It remains to be seen if the return of MTV to its old avatar will strike the right chord with the viewers. But for now, MTV is indeed, much about music.
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