Narendra Singh Negi


Narendra Singh Negi, also referred as 'Garh Ratna' and 'Bob Dylan of the hills' is one of the most prominent folk singers, composer and a poet of the Garhwal and Uttarakhand who prominently sings in Garhwali language. Reportedly, he has sung more than 1000 songs. His unparalleled work in the field of folk music of Uttarakhand is an inspiration for all the upcoming singers of Uttarakhand.
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Background

Negi ji was born in Pauri town in Pauri Garhwal District where he also completed his schooling. He is married to Usha Negi. His father was a Naib Subedar in the Indian army. For graduation he moved to Rampur with his cousin Ajit Singh Negi who taught him Tabla. From his childhood he was fond of listening to traditional folk singers in various cultural events. He wrote and composed his first song in 1974 after getting inspired by the hard work done by his mother and other women of the town.

Music career

Negi recorded his first self-composed song in 1974. In 1976, Negi released his first music album "Garhwali Geetmala." These Geetmalas were in 10 different parts. As these Garhwali Geetmalas were from different companies he was finding it difficult to manage them. So he finally switched to releasing his cassettes by giving them separate titles. His first album came with the title called "Burans".
Negi is credited for introducing main melodic phrases of 12 beats and an irregular four-beat rhythmic pattern to contemporary songs. He has written songs on love, sorrow, historic events, social, political and environment issue. He has sung in every genre of singing popular in Uttarakhand like "Jagar", "Mangal", "Basanti", "Khuder", "Chhopati", Chounphula and Jhumeila. He has sung in different local languages like Garhwali, Kumaoni, Jaunsari prevailing in the state.
He has also given his voice in Garhwali movies such as Chakrachal, Gharjawai, and Meri Ganga Holi Ta Maima Aali. Bollywood singers including Udit Narayan, Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhonsle, Poornima, Suresh Wadkar, Anuradha Paudwal, Jaspal also sang in Garhwali films under his music direction. He also sang with fellow Garhwali enthusiast Madhuri Barthwal.

Awards

Sangeet Natak Akademi 2022

Narendra Singh Negi has been awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in Delhi on 9 April 2022. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has congratulated the state's folk singer Narendra Singh Negi for being honored with the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award at the national level. He said that the honor given to Narendra Singh Negi in the field of traditional folk songs is also the honor of the state.

Awaaz Ratna Award

On the occasion of Hindi Diwas, the folk singer of Uttarakhand, Narendra Singh Negi has been honored with the Awaaz Ratna Award 2021.

List of albums

AlbumRelease dateRef
Nidekhi Paeli Kabhi2025
Hey Ramiye2024
Twi Chhayi2023
Kya Ji Bolun2022
Uttarakhand Devabhumi2023
Kab Aili2022
Syali Ramdei2022
Band Bijora2022
Hori Ka Khilari2022
Kamera Mwara2022
Yakhi Basa Rai Jaula2021
Kui Ta Baat Holi2020
Chali Bhai Motor Chali2005
Ghasyari2002
Haldi Hath1995
Hosiya Umar2002
Jai Dhari Devi1996
Kai The Khojyani Holi2006
Maya Ko Mundaro2009
Nauchammi Narena2006
Nayu Nayu Byo Chha2003
Rumuk2005
Salanya Syali2009
Samdola Ka Dwi Din2000
Syani2002
Thando Re Thando2004
Tu Holi Bira2007
Tumari Maya Ma2001
Utha Jaga Uttarakhand2017
Khud1995
Ab Kathga Khailo2012
Wa Junyali Rat Aige Phir Yad2006
Tapkara1999
Barkha1992
Basant Aige2010
Taka Chhan Ta Taktaka2007
Kargile Laraima1999
Chhibrat1993
Geet Ganga2002
Surma Sarela2007
Chhuyal2006
Jai Bhole Bhandari2017

List of movies

MovieRelease date
Chakrachal1996
Gharjawain1986
Meri Ganga Holi Ta Maima Aali2004
Kauthig1987
Batwaru2003
Chham Ghunguru2005
Jai Dhari Devi2006
Suberau Gham2014