Music Malt

11/08/2026

We are honoured to announce that Rinchin Norbu Thongchi, Jim Ankan Deka & Tse Ring La are coming up with the documentation of a rare traditional Sherdukpen folk song titled “Singde Chhewe.”

To the best of our knowledge, this song has never been formally documented before and today survives in the memory of only a very small number of knowledge holders. Through this effort, we hope to preserve an invaluable part of the oral and musical heritage of the Shertukpen community for future generations.

We express our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Yasmin Nasima Parvin for her generous contribution towards supporting our fieldwork, travel, recording & documentation efforts.

We are equally grateful to Gombu Tsering Thungon, NGawang Thungon and Leki Phunchu Khrimey for their continued support and encouragement in our ongoing journey of preserving and documenting the age-old traditions, songs and cultural heritage of the Sherdukpen community.

Song: Singde Chhewe
Research & Singer: Rinchin Norbu Thongchi
Music & Audio Documentation: Jim Ankan Deka
Video Documentation: Tse Ring La

With support from Himalayan Mountain Goat Alliance and OK North East
Audio: Music Malt
Recorded at: Shergaon, Arunachal Pradesh

05/08/2026

Jim Ankan Deka with the little pupils of music from Shergaon, Arunachal Pradesh

There is something beautiful about hearing the sound of a guitar echo through the hills of Shergaon. For these children, music is more than a hobby. It teaches patience, discipline, confidence and the joy of creating something with their own hands. In a small village, every new chord learned is a reminder that dreams can begin anywhere and that music has the power to open hearts, broaden horizons and keep creativity alive.

03/08/2026

23/07/2026

Team Music Malt had the privilege of recording two beautiful Monpa folk songs with Guru Pema Tashi Trangpodar and Smt. Ngawang Lhamu in Morshing, Arunachal Pradesh. Accompanying the team were Sonam Genchen Trangpodar, founder of Kunphen Residential School, ecologist Suranjita Roy, young ornithologist Suyash Jagat, and travel documentary filmmaker Tse Ring La.

Preserving traditions, one song at a time.

Stay tuned for more.

12/07/2026

Rinchin Norbu Thongchi is a folk artist and teacher from Jigaon in Shergaon, Arunachal Pradesh, and one of the dedicated custodians of Sherdukpen folk traditions. Deeply rooted in the cultural life of his community, he has spent years preserving and sharing traditional songs, stories, and oral histories that have been passed down through generations. Known for his rich knowledge of Sherdukpen culture, he continues to keep ancient folk songs alive through performances, cultural exchanges, and community events.

Beyond the classroom, Rinchin Norbu is respected as a folk artist, storyteller, and cultural ambassador whose passion for preserving local traditions inspires younger generations to reconnect with their roots. At a time when many indigenous traditions are gradually disappearing, his efforts play an important role in safeguarding the language, music, and heritage of the Sherdukpen people. His contributions have also supported the documentation of traditional Sherdukpen folk songs, helping ensure that these invaluable cultural treasures are preserved for future generations.

In frame: Rinchin Norbu Thongchi & Jim Ankan Deka
Courtesy:

19/06/2026

What do you do when you meet a master artist, his incredible family of artists and a wonderful group of people who are quietly but steadily making the world a better place? You spend a beautiful day together, blending the finest ingredients: art, music, laughter and lots of love.

A memorable day in the presence of master craftsman Guru Pema Tashi, traditional and folk singer Pema Yangjom, visionary changemaker Sonam Genchen Bapu, cultural documentarian Tse Ring La, wildlife ecologist & writer Suranjita Roy and naturalist from Chattisgarh Mr Suyash, filled with inspiring conversations, creativity and heartfelt connections.

Moments like these remind us of the power of community, culture and kindness.

📍 Morshing, Arunachal Pradesh

11/06/2026

Team Music Malt recently spent an afternoon with Guru Pema Tashi at Morshing, discussing an upcoming recording of a folk song that is slowly fading from collective memory. The team also learned about his traditional mask-making craft and his ongoing efforts to preserve the natural environment around his village. Excited to document and share the story of a man whose work continues to keep both culture and nature alive.

With: Pema Tashi, Sonam Genchen Trangpodar, Suranjita Roy, Tse Ring La

03/06/2026

A new Sherdukpen song is taking shape at Taksar Lu Farms with Tashi Dings, a talented music composer from Shergaon, Arunachal Pradesh.

More info soon!

Powered by: Music Malt & OK North East
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