Kaajee Singh
Kaajee Singh | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1945 |
| Died | (aged 80) Kalimpong, West Bengal, India |
| Occupation | Percussionist |
| Children | Nishaant Singh |
| Parent | Indrajit Singh Sardar (father) |
| Awards | Padma Shri |
Kaajee Singh (1945 – 21 January 2025) was an Indian Gorkha percussionist. In 2022, he was awarded Padma Shri by the Indian government for his contribution in music in Madal.[1][2][3]
Background
[edit]Singh was from Kalimpong.[4] Singh, hailing from Darjeeling in north Bengal, has been a part of a family immersed in music for three generations. Growing up in Kalimpong hills, he developed a fascination for folk culture and music from a young age, inspired by his parents. Born in 1945, he has been a lifelong contributor to the field.[5]
Kaajee was the only child of the renowned "Maadalaacharya", the late Indrajeet Singh Sardaar and Mohanphul Singh. His dad, Indrajeet Singh Sardar, was a leader in the Shree Maadal sect of the Gorkha people. Kaajee had the benefit of a prosperous family background, thus receiving great moral support and education while growing up. He attended St. Roberts School, Darjeeling, and completed Metric Pass in 1965, the last batch of its kind. After that, he acquired the Sangeet Prabhakar Degree in vocal music from Mumbai.[6]
Singh died on 21 January 2025, at the age of 80.[7]
Career
[edit]Singh began his career in 1952 with the Maaruni dance. He took lessons in Shree Maadal from his father Indrajit Singh Sardar. In 1974, he went to Mumbai and worked with composers like Laxmikant-Pyarelal, Kalyanji-Anandji. He also invented the classical notations for Shree Madal in 1974. In 1983, he came back to Kalimpong. He has written more than five books on instruments and folk music. He also ran the Sanskriti Sangrakshan Sansthan in Kalimpong.[8]
Awards
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Padma Awards 2022: From folk artists to painters, meet the awardees recognised for their work in the field of art and culture". The Indian Express. 22 March 2022. Retrieved 18 May 2022.
- ^ Times, Siliguri (26 January 2022). "Kalimpong BJP delegations meet Padma Shri awardee Kaajee Singh". Siliguri Times | Siliguri News Updates. Retrieved 18 May 2022.
- ^ "'বলিউড ছেড়ে চলে এসেছিলাম সঙ্গীতের টানে, পুরস্কারের জন্য নয়': পদ্মশ্রী কাজি সিং". Hindustantimes Bangla (in Bengali). 28 January 2022. Retrieved 18 May 2022.
- ^ "Padma Shri and police medals for Gorkhas". www.telegraphindia.com. Retrieved 18 May 2022.
- ^ "At 77, Kaajee Singh becomes first Gorkha musician to receive Padma Shri". Hindustan Times. 27 January 2022.
- ^ "KAAJEE SINGH – LEGENDARY GORKHA MADAL EXPONENT". SikkimExpress. 30 January 2022.
- ^ Chhetri, Vivek (23 January 2025). "Padma Shri musician of hills no more: Kalimpong percussionist Kaajee Singh dies at 80". The Telegraph Online. Retrieved 23 January 2025.
- ^ "At 77, Kaajee Singh becomes first Gorkha-Nepali musician to receive Padma Shri". Hindustan Times. 27 January 2022. Retrieved 18 May 2022.
- ^ "'বলিউড ছেড়ে চলে এসেছিলাম সঙ্গীতের টানে, পুরস্কারের জন্য নয়': পদ্মশ্রী কাজি সিং". Hindustantimes Bangla (in Bengali). 28 January 2022. Retrieved 18 May 2022.