Jassie Gift, who recently hit headlines after he was rudely interrupted by a college principal during a live event, is a musical genius who has always replied to criticism and affection in the language of gifted musical compositions.
The singer’s musical odyssey doesn’t have flawed notes arising out of virulent reactions against his new genre of compositions. Nor has it bowed to howls of protests against the fresh aura it created. Because it has swayed an equal or more number of music buffs who waltzed in its rhythm.
Perhaps, even Generation Z grooves to his musical numbers, as he had cut a fresh musical trail ahead of time. The songs of ‘For The People’ became a celebration of a new set of musical chords that Jassie Gift unleashed on the changing track of Malayalam film musical buff’s sensibilities.
Jassie Gift did not hesitate to embrace Western music’s delightful charm in his compositions, thereby irking the conservative sensibilities of a section, that believed musical renditions were their fiefdom, which was best left untouched. That itself is a testimony to his gifted abilities. His wide acceptance was met with strident criticism. The critics even poked fun at his hoarse voice, underscoring their prejudice that only the refined voices of musical nobility were acceptable.
Critics mounted a relentless attack on him from all possible avenues. A prominent lyricist of that time even went to the extent of saying that such compositions were killing music. He went on to add that such a stream of musical compositions had no future. In response, Jassie Gift let out a wry smile. He did not bother to pick harsh words or waste time on unwarranted responses, realising that the new generation of Malayalam film music aficionados was overwhelmingly swayed by his musical chords.
The musical maestros who watched the assault on their conventional sensibilities with dismay were forced to experiment with exactly that sort of rendition that they considered despicable. Jassie Gift’s 'Lajjavathi' adorned the highest pedestal of Malayalam film music of all time. Crowds thronged theatres just to hear Lajjavathi, and when the theatres replayed the song sequences at the end, the voices of a new sensibility were proclaimed.
Sukumar Azhikode then unequivocally said that Jassie Gift’s musical renditions were the heartbeats of a new generation. Two decades have passed by but Lajjavathi and the new musical genre it unleashed remain priceless.
Jassie’s music crossed the boundaries of the state and became a national sensation. He became acceptable to most musical composers in South India. Themma Themma Themmadikatte and other compositions became roaring hits, and in the process, Jassie Gift also trumpeted his prowess in treating melodies.
Jassie Gift is irreplaceable, and that realisation is one reason why the music buffs of Kerala wholeheartedly back him to the hilt. Regardless of whether he is admonished or celebrated on various platforms, Jassie Gift’s renditions will find a wide array of suitors who love the dismantling of set patterns in the musical arena.
