Narendra Singh Negi

Narendra Singh Negi (Hindi: नरेन्द्र सिंह नेगी) is one of the most prominent folk singers of the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. In Uttarkhand it is a famous saying that if you want to know about Uttarakhnd, its people, society, life, culture, traditions and politics then either refer to books of scholars or listen to the songs of Nrendra Singh Negi[citation needed]. An institution by himself Shri Negi is amongst the most popular artists of Uttarakhand. He is not a mere entertainer but he is an artist, a singer, a composer and a poet, who is sensitive to his surroundings.

Background

Born on 12 August 1949 in Pauri Village nearby Pauri town in Pauri Garhwal District (Uttarakhand) ~~ पौड़ी जिले का पौड़ी गाँव (उत्तराखंड), Negi Ji started his career from Pauri and now he has performed almost in all the major countries of the world.[1] This renowned singer of Garhwal (Uttarakhand) believes in quality rather than quantity and that's the reason why people like his song very much. With time lots of singers got introduced to Garhwali Music Industry but despite of these new voices, his voice is still being heard by entire Uttarakhand with same respect and affection.The main cynosure of Negi's song is his lyrics and intense emotional for Uttarakhand and people of Uttarakhand.He has covered all the sorrows, cheerfulness and aspect of Uttrakhandi peoples life only through his lyrics and voice.He has sung all kind of Uttarakhndi Lok Gheets(Folk Song) without altering the emotion and dignity of those folk song. He is one of the most popular singer among inhabitants as well as non residents, the Folk Genome Tank of Uttarakhand has got many of his hit songs in their collection with number of followers pertaining individual songs.[2] He was awarded many times for his brilliant singing.

Family

He has a family of four members with two kids Ritu and Kavilas. Ritu, his daughter is working in one of the MNC in Delhi whereas his son Kavilas has successfully completed the MBA course. Like Negi Ji, his wife Usha Negi is also serving Uttarakhand through her delicious Garhwali/Uttarakhandi Dishes that she promotes in various occasions and platforms. For this she also got recognized in Himalayan Estate Food Festival held in Palampur (Himachal Pradesh). Negi Ji served as a District Information Officer in Information and Public Relation Department till July 2005. Right now he is concentrating on his family and on his upcoming songs..

Music career

Negi Ji started his music career by releasing "Garhwali Geetmala". These Garhwali Geetmalas came in 10 different parts. As these Garhwali Geetmalas were from different companies he was finding it difficult to manage them. So he finally switched into releasing his cassettes by giving them separate titles. His first album came with the title called "Buraans". Buraans is a well-known flower found on hills.

He has realesed most number of superhit albums. He has also given his voice in many garhwali movies like "Chakrachal","Gharjawai","Meri Ganga Holi Ta Maima Aali" etc. This renowned singer from Garhwal has sung more than 1000 songs till now. He has been awarded in various occasions from public round the world. Long time back Akashwaani, Lucknow recognized and awarded him as the most popular folk singer among 10 other artists. This was based on the number of mails that they received for "Farmayashi Geet" (Songs on Demand).

Till now Negi ji has performed in various countries like USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Muscat, Oman, Bahrain and U.A.E. etc. Garhwali & Kumauni Societies, which are run by Garhwali-Kumauni NRIs regularly calls him to perform abroad. Garhwali-Kumauni families living abroad and in India enjoy his songs very much. "It is their love that still I am continuing with my singing", says Negi ji.He only believe in reality of the Uttarakhand's culture, that is why his all the songs are reality based and that is why negiji is so close to the people of Uttarakhand. Being a garhwali singer he is also most populer singer of kumaoni people, all kumaoni people don't understand garhwali but they all like and injoy negiji's songs.

He likes the work of Gulzar sahab. "His work, old or new has a deep meaning". Besides singing Negi Ji is also into writing. Till now his 3 books have published. His first book "Khuch Kandi" (meaning cane bucket used to carry Arsa and Roat) got published in 1992. His second book "Gaadiyoun Ki Ganga, Saniyoun Ka Samudar" (meaning Ganges of imagination and sea of lust) got published in 2000. His third book "Muth Boti Ki Rakh" (meaning tighten your palm and hands and be ready) got published by Shekhar Pathak. This book has got the collection of all his "aandolan" songs. His fourth book will shortly be available in the market.

In years past, he has also sung sad elegies to Tehri town, recently inundated by the Tehri dam, as well as fiery protest songs during the Uttarakhand separate state movement.

In 2007, the Calcutta-based Telegraph[3] called him the "Dylan of the Hills" for his 2006 protest song, Nauchami Narain, against the then Chief Minister ND Tiwari and the entire political class of Uttarakhand.

Tribune News Service, Haridwar, November posted that Negi has a smooth, sweet voice that transcends barriers of language. His songs in the nineties during the Uttarakhand state movement inspired the hill folk to stand up and fight for the cause of a separate state.

List of albums

Album Title
Chuyaal
Dagdya
Ghasyari
Haldi haath
Hosiya umar
Jai dhari devi
Kai the khojyani holi
Maya ko mundaro
Nauchammi narena
Nayu nayu byo cha
Rumuk
Salyaan Syali
Samdola ka dwi din
Syani
Thando re thando
Tu holi beera
Tumari maya ma
Utha jaga uttrakhand
Khud
Ab Kadga Khelyo
Wa Jyunali Raat
Tappkara
Barkha
100 ku Naut
Taka chan ta takataka
Kargile Ladaima
Chibdaat

List of movies

Movie Title
Chakrachaal
Gharjawai
Meri Ganga Holi Ta Maima Aali
Kauthig
Batwaru
Cham Ghunguru

( Jai Dhari Devi)