Friday, July 9, 2010

BAPPI LAHIRI

Presents : 'Football Fever'
Apart from Vuvuzela, one of the highlights of WorldCup-2010, has been the official FIFA theme song Shakira's 'Waka Waka'. The song and the video has been an instant-hit all over the world. Also popular is another theme-song 'Waving Flag' by K'naan. Inspired by the soccer-craze, the King of Indian Disco -Bappi Lahiri - popularly known as 'Bappi-da' (ie. Brother-Bappi) came up with his own take on the beautiful game. The single is titled 'Football Fever' sung by Bappi Lahiri himself.
Being a Bengali, there is no doubting Bappi-da's credentials as a passionate soccer-fan. After all, the pioneer football-clubs like East Bengal and Mohun Bagan are in his home-land. So football fever must be always in his vains. Hasn't Salil Chowdhury, the Bengali music-legend once said (in a lighter vain) ' I'm the Pele of music' ? Another great Bengali-composer - S.D Burman too was an ardent soccer fan.


And when it comes to getting inspired, there's no match for Bappi-da either. His 'inspired' works of world-famous disco-hits has earned him the nick-name 'Copy-Lahiri'. Some would also call him the Kitsch-King of Disco. But unlike some of his counterparts, Bappi-da readily admits that he has lifted tunes from others. He adds that even in his lifted-tunes, he gives a unique Bappi-da touch. Nowadays Bappi-da is more prolific as a music reality-show judge than as a musician. But advancing years have not dimished his love for good food or his trademark of flashy clothes, expensive jewellary, and designer sun-glasses that hide his Mongolian eyes.

Bappi-da's 'Football Fever' video is available on YouTube. It hasn't caused any ripple in the market (unlike his hit-numbers of the 80's).The comments that posted below the video speaks for itself. It's not that Bappi-da is unused to such heavy shower of brick-bats. I am giving here a link to the video - (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMR7zl-xuAI) out of deep respect for a musician -whom I'd call - the pioneer figure of Indian pop-music scene. Like him or poke fun of him : one cannot simply ignore this large, flamboyant man. We love you Bappi-da !

For the very best of Bappi Da's video see : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTMu1c2xaLA&feature=related (Chalo Chale : Bappi Lahiri & Runa laila)

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