City duo creates awareness through folk songs

Roja Adithya. an IT professional from the city also participated in a few music events. Seeing the encouragement and support of the protestors, she decided to explore her talent in folk music. Along with Drums Mani, she started an independent music group called Makkal Paattu.

“Earlier, in villages, we had folk singers travelling from one place to another, singing awareness songs on various topics including, environment, Tamil culture, history, religion, heritage, architecture, etc. But the number of such singers have reduced. For the past few years, a lot of youngsters are coming forward to propagate folk music through various mediums. When we started Makkal Paattu, we sang songs related to the environment and social justice which attracted the attention of children as well,” says Roja Adithya.

Though there are many programs that encourage folk songs across the state, Roja feels that there should be continued support. “Folk songs never failed to amaze people. But now, because of technological advancement, we aren’t giving much importance to it. Through our group, we hope to re-introduce folk songs to the urban class as well. We have performed in schools and public spaces singing about palm trees, water management, air pollution in north Madras, wetlands and its importance, etc,” she adds.