Once again Goa honoured American journalist and accomplished musician, Daniel Pearl and commemorated his life and work by using the universal language of music to spread the message of hope, unity and “Harmony for Humanity” at the Daniel Pearl World Music Days.

In his honour, two bands–Hipnotribe and The Pulp Society–both Mumbai-based communicated with the Goan audience with their own brand of music at Kala Academy, recently.

The performers for the show were selected by a delegation of the American Centre, Mumbai.

The concert began with The Pulp society, who played for the first time in Goa, churning out funk styles in Indie sound. The Pulp society is a band of six members that play a genre started by the African-Americans in late 60s in America—the funk- a style of music best suited to dancing. “It is hard to describe why we chose the name ‘The pulp society’ as it is very subjective,” says Naresh Kamath one of the band members.

The seven-member ‘Hipnotribe’ known for its influences in rock, rap and jazz took centre stage. “We have played for a corporate event in Goa earlier, but sadly, there were no Goans present. Our first performance for a Goan audience happened in the year 1995. Yes, it has been a while,” said a band member nostalgically.

For the band members, ‘Hipnotribe’ is a full-time job. They said, “We grew up playing commercial music and listening to fusion music and that is the reason why we opt for it.”

The Hipnotribe performed a song called. ‘Old Baga’ composed by a friend which talks about the Goa’s famed Baga Beach. The Pulp Society, too, sang a song on Goa which was dedicated to the Goan audience during their performance. “Our composition, ‘Holiday’ signifies everything that is Goa,” says Sankarshan Kini, one of the band members.

Daniel Pearl believed in building bridges across cultural divides, which he as an accomplished musician achieved. The Director of American Centre, Mumbai, Ms Annie Grimes expressed, “Music is a good communicating tool by itself. It does not require any language. Daniel believed in the power of music. His beliefs are now followed by his family.”

Daniel Pearl also believed in the power of music to achieve international friendship and Ms Annie Grimes explained, “It’s been six years since the Daniel Pearl World Music Days began and we are still going strong. It also shows that Daniel Pearl’s message has been spreading worldwide.”

Like other bands making their way to Bollywood, the Hipnotribe feel, “anything fresh adds flavour. People notice you only if you have something different to offer.” The Pulp Society said, “The film scenario is changing, language barriers are breaking and in such interesting situations, English-Hindi music can be a good combo.”

Daniel Pearl World Music Days was observed for two days in Goa. On the first day the bands gave a remarkable performance. The second day concluded with the screening of three films, ‘A mighty heart’ based on the book written by Daniel’s wife Marian Pearl, ‘A man named Pearl’ and ‘Flow for love of water’ were part of the commemoration function.