Susmit Sen Serenades Goa’s Soul and Konkani Culture with New Track Saiba Tandela
Updated on: 25 October, 2024 05:12 PM IST | Shweta Shah
Susmit Sen, the legendary guitarist and co-founder of the pioneering band Indian Ocean, has partnered with Songdew to release Saiba Tandela, a tribute to Goa’s rich cultural heritage and the opening track of his highly anticipated new album Azaadi.
The remaining tracks from Azaadi will be released one by one, building anticipation with each release. Inspired by the Konkani poem by Umesh Manohar Sardessai, Sen’s latest release is a personal and musical journey into the heart of Goa, blending local traditions with his distinctive sound.
The Journey of Azaadi
Supporting Sen on this journey are two remarkable vocalists: M. D. Pallavi and Sudheer Rikhari, whose voices bring an ethereal depth to the track. The song’s production was helmed by the legendary Miti Adhikari, known for his work with iconic artists such as Radiohead and Nirvana, ensuring that every note resonates with emotional clarity.
`Saiba Tandela` in Konkani means `Master Boatman`, and the song is about a woman’s desperate call to a boatman to help her cross a river, so she can unite with her elusive lover waiting on the other side.
Although Sen is not a native Goan, his love for the state and its language, Konkani, is profound. The song, rich in emotional depth, is his way of reconnecting with the state’s heritage and traditions.
With its poignant plea for guidance through life’s uncertainties, the song reflects universal themes of love, loss, and hope—values that resonate deeply with Sen’s artistic philosophy.
Susmit Sen Opens Up on the Inspiration Behind Azaadi
"You don’t have to be from a place to feel its essence," Sen explains. "Goa has given me so much—musically, spiritually, and personally. This song is my tribute to the land and its people."
As Goa evolves into a modern tourist hub, Sen’s release serves as a reminder of its deeper, culturally rich history. Saiba Tandela aims to rekindle Goans’ pride in their language and traditions, especially among younger generations. Sen’s minimalist acoustic arrangement mirrors the ebb and flow of Goa’s coastline, with the lyrics acting as a powerful narrative of inner peace in turbulent times.
Sen’s new release is not only a celebration of Goa’s rich cultural tapestry but also a bridge between the past and present. His sensitive adaptation of the traditional Konkani poem into a contemporary soundscape makes the language accessible while preserving its original spirit.
Listeners can access Saiba Tandela and the remaining tracks of the Azaadi album across popular streaming platforms such as Spotify, JioSaavn, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.
With Saiba Tandela, Susmit Sen reaffirms his place as an artist deeply connected to his surroundings. His music continues to transcend boundaries, weaving together traditions, cultures, and generations.
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