JHUSIA DAMAI

Village: Dunga toli

 Voice & Hudka: Janak Ram
Voices: Saraswati Devi

An institution by himself - Jhusia Damai is 86 years old and has been singing for at least the last eight decades.  

He lives in  the village Dunga Toli very close to the Nepal border and has incorporated elements of Nepali and Kumaoni music in his style of singing which is unique.  

He sings tales of warriors of the region and is possibly carrying with him one of the biggest records of oral history.  

Though Jhusia Damai has been the subject of research and documentation by several musicologists and has performed far and wide, there is very little chance of his own legacy surviving with the same vigour that he brings to it.  

Not only does he sing with a booming voice - he dances along with it. A feat that may be impossible for much younger artistes. 

He wears an elaborate costume while dancing which includes a skirt and a kind of belt made of the tail of a cow tied with bells.  

He used to be accompanied by his two wives - but now one of his wife's role has been taken by his daughter-in-law.