By Enucia Rangslang
In the quiet village of Mawbri in Ri-Bhoi, a young girl grew up surrounded by hills, faith and melodies. Today, that little girl, Darilin Jovita Masharing, has become a woman who stands tall as a passionate singer, songwriter and music educator whose journey has inspired many.
Born on May 26, 1988, Darilin is the daughter of the late Jeronimus JD Madur and Rida Mary Masharing. Despite personal hardships, including the loss of her husband Marcelyn Lyngdoh Marshillong, Darilin continues to shine, raising her beloved son, Tyngshain Dominic Masharing, while building a life filled with music and meaning.
Her early education took place at Little Flower Higher Secondary School, Mawbri, followed by her higher secondary at Buddha Bhanu Saraswati College, Shillong. She then pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Music from St Anthony’s College, Shillong, graduating in 2013. Fuelled by a desire to refine her craft, she moved to Delhi to study Hindustani classical music, ultimately earning her MPhil by 2017.
Darilin’s professional journey reflects her deep commitment to music. Over the years, she has served as an educator at Martin Luther Christian University and St Anthony’s College, among other institutions. Today, she is the proud founder and coordinator of Rainbow of Sounds Music Academy in Mawbri and teaches at Infant School for Little Angels, Umroi Nongrah.
Her story with music, however, began much earlier, within the four walls of her church and school events. “My journey started in church,” she recalls fondly, “and also during school sports events.” Her first public performance was in 2002 at a small village concert, singing “Mei baiieid eh,” a song composed by her uncle. She composed her first original gospel song “Ngi mane iame ko Trai Jisu” in 2005, and has written numerous gospel and traditional Khasi songs since, such as “Iasong kwai” (2011) and “Tiar put tiar tem u khasi” (2022).
Through her music, Darilin finds joy and expression. Whether writing heartfelt songs or performing Bollywood covers on her eponymous YouTube channel, Darilin Jovita Masharing, her love for her art remains evident. Her biggest inspirations include legendary artists like Freddie Mercury, Shreya Ghoshal, Arijit Singh and, as she humbly mentions, herself.
In 2024, Darilin was honoured by the Rotary Club of Orchid City Shillong, a moment she describes as a blessing and a surprise. “It was the first time in my life receiving an award,” she shared, recalling the warmth and encouragement she felt meeting the members of the club.
Awards and recognition have also come from within her church community, where her gospel compositions continue to touch hearts. Yet, her path was not without struggles. She vividly remembers an overwhelming moment in Delhi, where stage fright nearly silenced her during a classical music performance. “I couldn’t even start… my mouth was stuck, my face turned red,” she confessed. It was her guru, Veneet Goswami, who gently encouraged her: “Sing from your heart, Darilin. People will love to hear your sweet voice.” His words helped her overcome fear, a lesson she carries to this day that confidence is born from belief and love for one’s craft.
Currently, Darilin is working on two new songs that will feature her students – a testament to how her journey now inspires others. In the next few years, she dreams of becoming a renowned songwriter and establishing herself as a principal of her music academy, nurturing young talents from Meghalaya and beyond.
Her message to young dreamers is simple but powerful: “Anything can happen at any moment. Don’t waste your time-create your dreams and bring them to reality.”
With her heart anchored in music and her spirit fueled by perseverance, Darilin proves that with passion, patience, and faith, even the smallest voices can one day echo across the world.
