Imphal Talkies: A Native Tongue called Peace

Akhu Chingangbam is a man who does not want to identify as a musician, even though his band and alternate persona, Imphal Talkies, has two internationally acclaimed albums released. He is rather a poet who talks about the life in Manipur, and the lifestyle that its people live with through his charming melodies. He recently performed at Jatra Biroti in Dhaka. Imphal Talkies was born when Akhu was pursuing his PHD in Astrophysics in New Delhi, where he recorded eight songs with his friend.

Having been a part of various protests in Imphal mainly protesting the AFSPA, the Armed Forces Act in India, which allows army personnel to kill anyone on mere suspicion, Akhu grew up contemplating the difficulties and prejudice that they had to face in their hometown. He had great stories to tell through his songs.  The song Maria is about an orphaned girl on the streets who had to resort to prostitution, while Mr. President is Coming is about the time when Pranab Mukherjee was about to visit Manipur and no one was allowed to get out of their homes due to strict protocols. Needless to say, the people at the venue were awed by the sheer tenacity of the music and its lyrics. “I had actually come to Bangladesh to research on my new album within the remote Manipuri communities here,” explains Akhu. The artist was then contacted by Rushnaf Wadud, a close friend since their time together studying in India, and was convinced to tour around four cities in Bangladesh. When asked if he has any messages for the Bangladeshi audience, Akhu says, “I don't believe in messages. I believe in action and what we can do in order to bring peace to the society. But yes, I love Bangladesh and the hospitality of the lovely people!”