Namaskar,
I am writing this not to hurt anybody's sentiments but to bring to the kind notice of my fellow members the pathetic stage of Pahadi music.
For the people of my generation (40+) Kumauni music (I am talking about recorded music) began with Heera Singh Rana and Gopal Babu Goswamy, two legendary singers. After that, not even a single singer has enjoyed that kind of popularity because they could not match the versatility of Rana ji or mellifluousness of Goswamyji. The next Kumauni singers who enjoy some acceptance are Lalit Mohan Fauji or Diwan Kandwal. But if you listen to songs sung by these two singers you will agree that they are trying to match the tempo of Hindi/Punjab songs called 'Po(aa)p' and lack in quality. So far as female Kumauni singers are concerned, I am yet to hear any pleasing sound, let along singing.
Similarly in Garhwali music, Narendra Singh Negi seems to be the lone torch bearer at present (Chandra Singh Rahi seems to have faded out). Preetam Barthwan and Gajendra Rana started with hit releases but choked now. Nobody is as yet ready to take over from Negiji. There are a few female singers in Garhwali but they are not even worth mentioning. Meena Rana showed some promise early on when she had lilting voice but now she has acquired hoarseness which is jarring. Chauhan never had a good voice and has some atrocious songs to her credit. The likes of Hema Dhyani are not even worth mentioning.
Almost all the new singers coming up now do not have any voice training, lack in pronunciation of the "theth' words and seem to be in a hurry. They are being exploited by the recording companies who want to cash on the new-found interest.
So, all in all Pahadi music is waiting for a singer (male or female) who can carry forward.
Any new voice that is promising? Please inform all of us as we are eagerly waiting.
Namaskar