Friday, June 5 2009

POPULAR singers Jairaj Singh and Girly Sahadeo are among a host of local artistes who will take part in a benefit concert for fire victim Seeta Persad tomorrow at Rienzi Complex, Couva.

The show, which will begin at 6.30 pm, will also feature T&TEC Gayatones, the Shiv Shakti Dance Company with Michael Salickram and Susan Badree, Raymond Ramnarine, RakeshYankaran, Ravi and Nisha Bissembhar, Ruby Khan Gupta, Adesh Samaroo, Nadia Madhoo, Nishaad Sultan, Shirene Sadia and Ryan Martinez (comedy), Omadath Maharaj, Hem Lata Dindial, Rickki Jai, Andy Singh, Jairaj Singh, Girly Sahadeo, Ravi Jagroop, Triveni's KI and Nishad.

Sahadeo, who is from New Grant in Princes Town. started singing at a young age with the Merry Makers Orchestra in Central Trinidad. She later took part in Mastana Bahar where she was a finalist. After her success on television, Sahadeo joined T&TEC Gayatones Orchestra.

She credits Capil Gayadeen of Gayatones for playing a great role in developing her style in singing.

“I was happy to join Capil as he was and still is a powerhouse of strength for me,” she said.

“I believe that I have a gift in singing and I love to use my talent that is priceless to assist people in their time of need,” she said

Singh, the host of the popular radio talk show Khazana on Heritage radio 101.7 FM, has been singing for many years

“I treasure the songs recorded by Mohammed Rafi and Kishore Kumar of India,” he said.

A former Mastana Bahar winner, Singh started off singing devotional songs at the Jankijyotir Mandir in Princes Town.

“I grew up in the lagoon lands, tending the cows and doing agriculture. But getting an education was very important to me. Despite the hardship I was able to finish college and attain my subjects,” he said.

He is also a talented musician having mastered the dholak (drums) and harmonium.

“Music to me is like the rhythm that reflects life and our very existence. Like the sound of the wind and the sound of falling water it soothes the soul. Many times we are hungry for comfort and we search for happiness and this comes with the appropriate music,” he said.

Jairaj will be doing songs from yesteryear, including Kabhi Asu, Khabhi Khabhi Mere Dil Meh, Kora Kagaz, Chaudavi Ka Chaan, Chanda Jaisa Rang Hai Tera, Chahunga Mai Tujhe, and Jaane Wa Rosa Da. He will also be doing many of the tunes that have been dominating the local charts including: Main Ho Na and Chalte Chalte.

Tickets priced at $50 are available at Praimsingh’s in Chaguanas and Curepe, Angie’s Puja Store and at the door.