Music is a whole wide universe in itself; so many genres, musicians, instruments, singers,
ranges, voices… the list goes on. However, in a country like India, singing in
the streets is regarded with negative connotations by society, usually
associated with begging. Not many are aware of the practice of busking, the
activity of playing music in the street or another public place for voluntary
donations. Thankfully, the ideology of busking is evolving with group and
organisations such as ‘Natural Streets for Performing Arts’ (NSPA).
NSPA is a nonprofit organisation
attempting to revive the culture of street performances in public spaces and
trying to reclaim public spaces such as metro stations, railway stations,
airports, parks, gardens, schools, libraries and seaside promenades for the
performing arts. NSPA is an initiative supported by Quantum Asset Management
Company through the founder Ajit Dayal. The basic point is to bring art to the
people, where over 20 artistes perform with NSPA and get a platform to showcase
their musical and individual genres. Local amateur artistes use their talents
to entertain the passers-by within the allotted time on various locations that
have been pre-decided, especially those involving busy crowds. It is purely a
music-related initiative that includes vocalists, musicians, song writers, etc.
However, NSPA doesn’t involve money. It’s free, it’s for fun, and anybody can
join in the melody and the art of singing.
NSPA originated in Mumbai, and it was a
huge success. This led the organisers to continue the project in Goa and many
local Goan artistes including Hasten Lourenco use this platform to share long
lost music, popular country numbers and instrumental talents to the people. The
core team consists of Anthony D’Costa, Anthony Noronha and Jessica Noronha, who
are responsible for inducting artistes into the NSPA and working with other
social minded organisations and NGOs across the country. NSPA has worked with a
lot of organisations to spread music and arts in different segments of society.
Lately, NSPA have covered locations at Panjim’s KTC bus stand,
Mall de Goa in Porvorim and opposite Café Bhonsle in Panjim.
Most of us grew up listening to the tunes of Linkin Park,
Backstreet Boys, Bryan Adams, Enrique Iglesias and so did Hasten. “It only
makes me want to go back in time because of how special the songs made me feel
back then. As a kid, I’d collect cassettes and CDs of these artistes and sing
along with them on every road trip, party, or even a simple Sunday afternoon.
In fact, we all did it.”
According to Hasten, in the 1970s, the streets of Goa were
filled with music lovers expressing their talent and sharing it with the
passers-by out of sheer love for music. But as time went by, with the
commercial demand, this musical love became more money-minded. “One would
either expect to be hired, or would perform for some ‘gratitude’ thrown in a
hat, which would eventually be frowned upon by the officials. NSPA, on the
hand, provides a social service where the passers-by have to only show their
love for music by lending an ear and indirectly bringing arts back to the
city,” he states.
Members of NSPA speak about their experience with the group.
Afrodite Colaco says, “NSPA is one the best platforms for budding artistes. For
me personally, it has helped me be more confident while I sing and also
provides opportunities to meet and sing along with different artistes. I’m
thankful to be a part of NSPA.” Similarly, Anthony D’Costa shares, “John Lennon
once said, ‘A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together
is reality.’ These words, which I connect with what we do, certainly inspire
me.”
As artistes, the members of NSPA find a strong connection to
various genres of music and pay homage to them when they perform. It is left to
the artiste to choose the song they want. A number of country, reggae and
acoustic versions of many songs are appreciated.
NSPA
states that they are out on the mission to make music more accessible to common
men without wanting them to pay for music or performances. They are on the
lookout for more artistes and more performance spaces in the city, which could,
spread the message of music.
