Every time someone speaks of Uttarakhandi music, the name Narendra Singh Negi is the first one that pops into our mind. Not only in India, but his melodious voice and beautiful lyrics have also captured hearts all over the world. Every pahadi all over the world is connected to Uttarakhand and its culture via Negi Ji’s music.
Some names do not need an introduction, and this is indeed true in this case. Narendra Singh Negi was born on 12 August 1949 in Pauri Town Uttarakhand. Ever since childhood, he had a keen interest in music and was fond of playing tabla.
His first album ‘Buraans’ was an instant hit among the mass. Negi Ji has sung over 1000 songs and that too in different regional languages such as Garwahli, Kumauni, and Jaunsari. Narendra Singh Negi Garhwali songs are pioneer foundation of todays uttarakhandi music.
The limelight of his career actually came from a very controversial album, ‘Nau Cha Mi Narena.’ It was a satirical take on the then Chief Minister N.D T He received various types of threats as the songs were a direct target towards the corrupt system. He was undeterred. Several FIR’s were launched against him. However, at last, the people loved the album, and it was a massive success.
Even today, songs like ‘Bhalu Lagdu,’ ‘Nau Cha Mi Naraina,’ ‘Tyar Machoyi’ are favorites amongst people. Negi Ji has sung songs about sorrow, devotional songs or Jaagar, Maangal Geet, environmental issues, and so on. His voice and lyrics connect with the masses. In his first song, he wrote about the plight of Pahadi women and how they toil hard every day for basic necessities, and he had tears in his eyes. His emotions can easily be felt from his voice.
His huge contribution to our folk music earned him the title of ‘Garh Ratna, ‘ which translates to Gem Of Garwahl. Singers such as Udit Narayan, Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle have worked under Negi Ji’s direction. His song ‘Baduli,’ which translates to Hiccups, is a song for all the migrants of Uttarakhand and how they are being missed back home. Such is the beauty of this song.
Negi Ji’s has continued to inspire generations. His legacy and his contribution to our culture are commendable. We wish that our Garh Ratna keeps bringing glory to our Uttarakhand.