ARTISTES |
 Adesh Samaroo
Nirmal “ Adesh” Samaroo burst on the local scene with the controversial hit Rum Till I Die towards the end of 2002. His popularity continued well into 2003 to present. He has shown that he is no fluke or one song hit, his 2004 release provides several outstanding hits, the chief among them Rajender Jheem Jheem, a remake of Haniff Mohammed’s classical masterpiece. What is amazing about Adesh is his simplicity and his performing capability making him a hit not only with the East Indian audiences but also the Calypso fraternity. All the big events feature this Dinsley Village youngster.
In June of 2003 he demonstrated his skill as a comedian par excellence at the Anil Bheem Concert. His travels have so far taken him to North America and Guyana where he proved his brilliance. |
 Amina Ramsaran
Residing at Chadee Trace, Monroe Road in Cunupia, Armina is the daughter of the late Ustaad Sulaiman Khan. Although she only started her career as a singer in 1986, Amina has already established herself as one of the best in this Country.
She has achieved tremendous success in several ladies singing competitions and on television's Mastana Bahar. Employed as an Auditor with the Magistry Division and is the mother of two lovely children. |
 Andre Ramsaray
Andre started at the age of 17 and placed 2nd in the 2001 and 2002 semi-finals programmes of Mastana Baha. He is presently the lead singer in the Doc's Sapphire Orchestra.
He has also appeared with Naipaul's Extra Food Dream Team, Trishul, Xitaaz and other bands, performing with them in countries such as Miami, Canada, Jamaica, Venezuela, St. Croix, Guyana, Suriname andTobago. He also participated in cultural trips with the local government (CTTRC- Couva Tabaquite Talparo Regional Corporation).
He also appeared in "Under The Trees" with the Dream Team Ruby and Nazimool Khan, singing Kumar Sanu and Kishore Kumar selections.
Any further information required please email at satima_r@hotmail.com |
 Anil Bheem
Started in November 93 with 103FM as a technical operator, and with his star qualities, has risen to be just that on his afternoon show, 'Catch the Rhythms' and the Chutney Train.
Anil performs as one of the top singers and musicians with most of the top bands in Trinidad and Tobago — J.M.C. Triveni, D. Rampersad Indian Art Orchestra, Dil-e-nadaan, Beena Sangeet and T&TEC Guyatones. He started in music with his family band, Khazana. His mother Premattee Bheem is also well known singer.
Anil sings film, chutney, bhangra and a host of other types of Indian songs. Some of his popular hits include Honeymoon, No Chutney Again, Bahena Bahena, Chook Chook and Jana Jana. He performs regularly in Miami, New York, Toronto and Guyana. He is presently the host of the popular Drive Time Show on 103FM. Catch the Rhythms. |
 Devindra Pooran
http://dpooran.homestead.com |
 DJ Prakz
Born Sankar Singh, Prakz (short of Prakash, a calling name) grew up in Gerogetown , Guyana. Moving to New York City at age 11 exposed Prakz even more to his first true love, music. At age 17 he adopted the name DJ Prakz and began his career on the stage and in the studios. Prakz quickly learned to blend various styles of music, incorporation reggae, soca and chutney flavors into his songs. It was also at this time in his life that Prakz join the New York based crossover band SuperTones led by Terry Gajraj, Guyana’s number one chutney artist. Learning from Terry, and the other members of SuperTones (Avinash Singh, Rocky & Omesh), Prakz quickly enhanced his skills and took full advantage of the opportunity he had in front of him.
Collaborating with artists like Terry Gajraj, Queen Yasmin and Apache Waria, Prakz finally started showing the world his talent. Some of the highlights of his debut CD are the songs like Under Water (talking about the floods in Guyana) & Move Yuh Feet ( a song that has packed dancefloors throughout the US, Canada, Trinidad & Guyana). Soon after the release of Chapter One, Prakz recorded the music video to “Move Yuh Feet” which was then later followed by a music video to Under Water which is currently the number one song in Guyana and vastly picking up right now.
With out a doubt, we shall await the next installment from this talented upcoming artist. One can only speculated that it would be called Chapter Two, but you never know, DJ Prakz is always full of surprises.
|
 Gerald Rampersad
Gerald Rampersad was born 29th December 1966 in the General Hospital in Port-Of-Spain Trinidad. He is the son of well-known accomplished vocalist, Mastan Bahar finalist Hasrah Rampersad, percussion and rhythm master Soorage Rampersad.
Gerald grew up among four Uncle’s Sham, Leon, Kumar, and Arjoon Rampersad who are also well known respected achieved musicians of Trinidad & Tobago. Gerald started his musical career playing his father’s Bongo Drum at the age of four in the family band Sitar Hind Orchestra, led by his Grandfather Lal Rampersad.
In 1983 at the age of seventeen he migrated to the United States and settled in New York City.
Shortly after he started learning to play the saxophone. He then met Paul Litrenta an Italian Trumpet player, the Band Master at Flushing High school. Paul took Gerald under his wing and taught him to read and write music.
After studying and playing with various artists such as John Farnsworth trombonist for the Glen Miller Orchestra and Wallace Rooney, recognized as one of the top Jazz Trumpeter’s In the world, Gerald went on to make his own name in the music industry.
Gerald then went on to work with a number of Trinidad and Tobago’s Top Soca artist. Such names as Iwer George, Super Blue, Colin Lucas, United Sisters, Preacher, David Rudder, Crazy, Duke, Explainer, Brigo, The Mighty Shadow, Chris Garcia, Calypso Rose, Black Stalin, Brother Resistance just to name a few.
Shortly there after then went on to lead the Love Band for Four Years as musical director and arranger for Super Blue’s touring band in the U.S.
Playing for the top Chutney artist such as Rikki Jai, Anand Yankaran, Sonny Man, Drupatee, Sundar Popo, Cecil Fonrose, Adesh Samaroo, Gatto, Queen Yasmin, Celia Samaroo and more.
In the spring of 1994 Gerald also landed an acting roll in the off Broadway Play at Lincoln Center entitled “Play Boy Of The West Indies.” The call came from Andre Tanker contracted as the musical director. The play ran for Six Months off Broadway, working along side veteran superstar actor
Anthony Fargus better known as (Huggy Bear on Stasky & Hutch) and Loraine Toussaint more famous for her dread lock appearance in the James Bond Movie and perhaps even more famous for her staring role in her television series L.A. Law.
India Overseas called in 1994 requesting the services and expertise of Gerald Rampersad to accompany the leading play back singer of the Indian Film industry Kumar Sanu for a sold out concert averaging over 50,000 spectators in Trinidad Stadium that year.
Shortly after in 1995 Gerald was asked to join the JMC Triveni band by Keyboard Wizard Veerendra Persad. Gerald and Veerendra Co-Produced for the JMC Record Label started a Mass recording campaign to change the way the recording industry was sounding by introducing another cross of influential jazz riffs and progression with typical Indian and chutney chords, now every local band In Trinidad has or have been influenced by the incredible sound of Triveni’s Crossover Indian Jazz Soca sound.
Gerald has recorded extensively with Super Blue and the JMC Triveni band. He has two solo albums to his credit, a Jazz compilation of originals and his very first Indian album entitled Music Beyond Time. He is currently working on his third solo project which includes numerous vocal tracks by his wife Teresa Rampersad. You can still expect the incredible contemporary jazz ensemble sound and the extensive, elaborate section work from Gerald.
The Jazz Soca Fusion sound is an interesting one, it is a sophisticated acquired taste Gerald hopes the listener has as much enjoyment and appreciation for the hard work that went into in as he did enjoy making it. He wishes to thank his family, friends, fans and supporters all over the world for their continued support and love. |
 Hema Balkaran
The year is 2003, Hema Balkaran just eighteen years old emerged winner of Mastana Bahar with a series of super performances, it’s a year this humble lass will never forget. She comes from a rather large family of fourteen and attended the Barrackpore Vedic School, Penal Comprehensive and the Barrackpore Secondary School. She received full CXC results and is presently pursuing Advance level in Sociology, Geography and General Paper. She is confident she will attain the necessary passes which would allow her to become a full time student at UWI In pursuit of her dream of becoming a psychologist.
Hema despite her age is quite accomplished as a dancer also, although her major thrust is singing. She also plays several instruments including the dholak, harmonium and percussions. Her learning experiences includes quality time spent at the Vishnu Mandir, Kailapashti Mandir, The Sireeram Mandir, Durga Shakti Mandir and the Valley line Community Ramayana and Chowtal group of Barrackpore. Hema is endowed with a very special voice, her diction is impeccable, many wonders how without any formal training she is almost perfect with her renditions. She is certainly the singing discovery of the year. |
 Jairaj Singh
Jairaj Singh Is from Mandingo Road Princes Town. He is today one of the most listened too presenters on radio, hosting the popular Khazana from 12.00 noon to 3.00 pm daily and the immensely popular Chatak, a programme dedicated to lovers of Chutney Music on 91.1 FM. Saturdays from 6.00 pm to twelve midnight.
Jai, as he is fondly called by his countless fans has a unique way in pesenting his Chutney Show, if you have never listened to him you are missing out big time.
Apart from his radio exploits, Jai is an accomplished singer. He reached the finals of Mastana Bahar in 1997 with a magnificent perfrormance.
His favorite singers are Mohammed Rafi, Mukesh, Mana Dey, Jagit Singh And Mehdi Hassan- His greatest possession is his new born son Graham Akshay Singh. |
 Jameer Hosein - A Living Legend
Jameer Hosein was born in the year 1939 in Freeport and grew up in a family where his father, the late Hosein Ali and his uncles practiced singing in the village for weddings etc. Against this background, he became very fond of singing and spent his early years under the watchful eyes of the late Isaac Yankaran in the Naya Sangeet Orchestra.
From there he moved on to the Nau Jawan Orchestra under the leadership of Chander Bali and later moved on to the Naya Zamana Orchestra. His final band stint was with the BWIA National Indian Orchestra under Maestro Harry Mahabir.
Jameer spent more than twenty years singing in bands( Film Songs) under the best musical Directors including Ustad Nazir Mohammed, no wonder he is considered today as the master of melody.
In the early sixties he was advised by the late Isaac Yankaran to try a few classical songs which he did with great success although he found some difficulty not being able to play the harmonium which is an integral part of classical singing.
After the death of his mentor the late Isaac Yankaran, and in his memory, Jameer not only mastered the art of playing the harmonium but up to today is considered as the King of classical songs. He won Mastana Bahar in 1972 and the classical singing championship in 1998 making him the most accomplished classical singer. Classical singing is indigenous to Trinidad and Tobago- Jameer Hosein the crowd pleaser, is its leading exponent |
 Jamie Ramkissoon - Chutney / Bhangara Performer
Jamie placed second in the finals of Mastana Bahar in 1999 and shocked everyone with her dazzling performance. Her unique style of singing and brilliant stage mastery will delight all at the Mother's Day Spectacular. She sings Chutney, Bhangara and folk songs with equal gusto and is sure to set the stage on fire with her renditions. This mother of one currently has two hits that are rising up the charts - Angoori and Churi Chamkay from the album Xsitaaz Masti. |
 John Agitation
The Undisputed King of Comedy
Like the skilled hunter he is, John Agitation has the ability to trap audiences with his rib tickling brand of humour. Unknown to many people Agitation, whose real name is Ramdeen Ramjattan is an active hunter.
Furthermore, he was a politician of some note, because he holds the record of being the only comedian in the Commonwealth of Nations to win an election. And if that were not enough, Agi, is a citrus farmer, cultivating 10 acres of land in Cumuto. He attributes his agricultural labour and his hunting as the reasons why he is fit to perform on stage.
The Grandmaster of Comedy is a veteran of over fifty years as a stand up comedian, an activity which he enjoys immensely. 'Once I get people to laugh and feel happy, then I enjoy the same happiness that they do', he explained.
John Agitation said being with people is what life is all about. The ace comedian revealed that he was also a former Senior Paymaster in The Public Service, and has worked in a variety of Government Ministries.
He fashioned his repertoire after the people he grew up with in his community.
'Everytime I used to talk with them, even when I talked about serious issues, they laughed at what I said, so I dicided to develop this talent I had, based on their ideas, values and lifestyles, Agi explained. They inspired me to become a comedian, he revealed that he got support from his mother as well.
John, decided on the stage name John Agitation, because the words rhymed nicely with a script he was working on for his public performance.
With the passage of time, he has become one of the most outstanding TnT and Caribbean comedians. He has traveled extensively thrilling appreciative audiences with his superb brand of comedy. 'Contrary to what many people think, making people laugh is hard work. Creating a joke depends on how you say it, so your thoughts and reflexes have to be quick on stage. To reach this stage, you have to be fit and live a healthy lifestyle, which is why I don't drink at all'. Ramjattan also believes that modern day comedians do not have to be smutty to be good at their profession.
|
 Khamrune Ali
Khamrune is originally from Cunupia, Central Trinidad but now resides in Fort Lauderdale.There is a certain simple style and grace that is the hallmark of Khamrune’s performances that have won her the admiration of many music aficionados, especially those who prefer the golden oldies.She has performed at all major venues both here and abroad with stunning success.
She started her career at the tender age of 15. Khamrune entered many competitions with tremendous success. Her crowning glory was in the year 1982 when she copped the first prize in the peoples programme Mastana Bahar. She represented Trinidad in countries such as Surinam, Guyana, Canada, England and off course the United States of America with distinction.
Khamrune was the first performer to enter politics in 1992; she won her seat in the local Government elections on a United National Congress ticket. In 1994 she entered and won the Lata Mangeshkar competition and since there were no similar competitions staged it is safe to say she remains the champion. The successful record producer Donald Singh has just completed a CD of old gems with Khamrune. If old songs are your desire, Khamrune is sure to captivate your hearts. |
 Kries Ramkhelawan
Well known as the chutney, baithak gana and qawali singer, Kries Ramkhelawan is specializing in ghazals, bhajans and nirguns. Now, almost nine years since his divorce, he is also fulltime father and mother of his four childres: Krieshen(21), Avinash(18), Kamlesh(13) and Prya(11). Just like he has proven to be a succesfull artist, he accepts this challenge to proof to be a good parent.
Ramkhelawan starts his day with a prayer and yoga, after that he prepares the children for school. Most of the day he is in his shop, Amrish Store, where he sells music cassettes, C.D.'s, saree's, pooja requisites and household products. All of his children are musically talented. Krieshen and Kamlesh sing and play, while Prya dances kathak, classical indian. Avinash loves music and is still exploring on that field. Ramkhelawan says never to have pressured his children into music. He just wants them to do good in school. An artist can not live of music. That may be possible in other parts of the world, but not in Surinam.
As a boy he felt drawn towards the spiritual life. He visited the mandir a lot and started of as a 12 year old boy singing bhajans in the mandir. It did not take long to profile as a good singer. His interest in music was so deep that he stopped school after finishing high school.
The circumstances in Saramacca, a district in Suriname. were also not ideal to study. In the following years he gave his life to his music career. His first hit released in 1975.
A album with four baithak gana tracks. It was recorded in Surinam Television Foundation (STVS). The promotor was Samsoedien.
Ramkhelawan's interest is mostly in music styles that are fading away . He does not approve and definitely does not sing music styles in which there are cursing. In 1980 he released his first qawali album, which was a international hit. This inspired him to go a step beyond, which led him to bhojpuri. This music style was almost forgotten in Surinam. In this stage he also made a hit, Bhoj Puri Bahaar. Bhojpuri is now a well known music style all over the Caribbean.
Ramkhelawan aims at a broad audience by not only specializing in one style but in many. He has recently finished a three year course classical vocal in Surinam at Indian Cultural Centre. He does not perform a lot in Surinam. On occasions such as the Hindostani Immigrationday he is asked to perform.
Kries Ramkhelawan has a repertoire of more or less 500 songs of which more than half are his own lyrics. His inspiration for writing comes from day to day life. His experience, analyses and philisophy makes it possible to deliver a message in the form of a song. |
 Minocha Brothers
The Minocha brothers have all been involved in music for the last six years. They come from a musical family, which spans three generations. Their great grandfather was Pundit Seunarine Maharaj who was an excellent Sarangi and dholak player in the 1940s.
Vinay, 16 years and Prashant 13 years old are both students of Presentation College, San Fernando while Amal Minocha, 9 years old, is a student of TML San Fernando. They are the sons of Pediatrician Dr. Umang Minocha and Mrs. Sati Minocha.
Vinay has distinguished himself on the violin having started the instrument at the age of ten. He has been training both in Western Classical Music and Indian Classical Music. He learns Western Classical Music under the guidance of Mrs. Gunilla Tang Kai and has successfully completed Grade 8 exams of Trinity College London. His training in Indian Classical Music has been under the tutorship of Shivanand Maharaj.
He has won numerous music competitions. To his credit, he has won in the Secondary Schools Sangeet Pratiyogita in 1998 and 2000 and in the solo and strings festivals in 2000 and 2001. He has earned nine distinctions at CXC and is presently a lower 6th for student at Presentation College.
Prashant is a form 2 student of Presentation College and has shown tremendous skills on the Tabla under the guidance of Dexter Raghunanan. He has demonstrated considerable versatility as a solo performer and as a accompanist. He also plays piano.
Amal is a standard 3 student of TML and has shown great promise on the keyboards, Harmonium and vocal music. He is a keen admirer of the vocal artistry of Anup Jalota.
Together with their cousin Visham Seunarine, an extremely talented keyboardist and music arranger, they have been instrumental in recording their first CD as a summer project. It was entitled, Musical Magic and was a tremendous success. Al the proceeds from the sale of the CDs went towards he reconstruction of the Dasashram temple in Claxton Bay.
As a young musical group, they have performed in numerous charity concerts and have inspired many Primary and Secondary School students to get involved in music. |
 Nadia Madoo
Nadia Madoo won the national ladies singing competition at the age of 17. In the face of competition from experience female singers, most in their twenties and thirties with many years of professional singing behind them, Nadia took the top prize. She repeated that feat the following year with ease. She is currently our undisputed female singing champion.
The competition among the seventeen entrants was very stiff. All of the women in the competition had the prior advantage of performing before large audiences. Nadia was one of the youngest, and her performance was remarkable, said one of the event organisers.
When she came on the stage, the audience was captivated by her poise, grace, elegance, charm and charisma.
What struck all though, was her humble manner. She is a simple, well brought up young lady. She made a powerful impact on everyone that night, with hardly any effort, just by being herself, but this was not the last in Madoo's journey to distinction.
Nadia Madoo won the first place in the Children of Mastana Series and was a finalist in the 1997 Mastana Bahar Programme. She combines her work with the T&Tec Gayatones Indian Orchestra with freelance work for some of the country's top indian music bands, and manages to balance all this with her studies. She has toured extensively and is today one of the most sought after female singers. |
 Nadira Leeann Maragh (Baba)
nadira maragh is known as baba productions she is the owner of her own production company which formed in 2006 there are couple of other members but she has a musical back ground of her self. she sings bhajans,film songs but she is now learning chutney.. nadiras age of starting to sing was the age of 12.. she was born and raise in miami,fl her background is that her mother is from trinidad and father is from jamaica but full parts are indian descent.. nadira is well raise in a decent hindu back ground if you ask her whats her life she well say music for sure... she mite not be that much famous now but you will surely see her in the future after high school and her studys ..her family as in a long line of music back ground and announcing which she does as well. nadiras fathers family is well no in trinidad thats where she gets her music back ground from which her uncle was the late moean mohammed his wife hansrajie maragh is her aunty but she still keeps the indian music alive in her heart and soul today no matter what she would never change being hindu or indian .. but dis is some info about nadira aka baba well check her out in the future even now .....
email: babaproductioninc@hotmail.com
web site coming out soon!!!!
|
 Nalini Sankar
Even though Nilli has been around music her whole life it was only in 2001 when her husband Nigel started the big band Dimensionz did she begin her singing career. When most people hear her sing, the question is always asked…why didn’t this chick start singing sooner? Like her brothers and sister, Anil Nisha and Ravi of the Big Band Karma, this young lady is extremely versatile and can sing anything from film to pop. Together with her amazing voice and her charming charisma, when she performs you can see that she was simply born to music. In addition to being a singer Nilli also works full time in the accounting industry and she is also a full time student at Florida Atlantic University, her major being accounting and minor music. She is the extremely proud mom of two boys; Rahul & Rajeev who she says is her inspiration in everything she does. Check Nilli out with the big band Dimensionz…coming soon to a city near you!
|
 Neeshan Prabhoo aka The Hitman
DATE OF BIRTH : APRIL 16th 1978
Neeshan Prabhoo began singing film songs at around 16yrs as an hobby, until he tried his talent in chutney, producing his first and very successful hit “Don’t Hold Me Back” this mega hit came out in 1997 which lead to the artiste touring the Caribbean and the rest of the world where chutney soca is enjoyed, he did a few more songs after, which enjoyed a fair response, he then took a break from singing to concentrate on his personal life.
In October 2003 he did an album entitled “Another Hit by the Hitman” this album was released around May of 2004, on this album one can find the biggest Chutney Soca tune of 2005 carnival, More Rum for Me better know as listen Mr. Chankar. The song can also be found on a Cd entiltled Trini Bashment.
Starting as early as July since the album was released Neeshan started touring once again his first overseas trip being to Guyana. To date this song is currently being played on all the major radio stations both Indo and Afro along with the video which is currently being played on synergy TV both under the Soca listing and Chutney. More Rum for Me is not only dominating all the house parties, clubs and shows here in Trinidad but is a major hit in the entire Caribbean and The world.
Neeshan has performed so far this year in the usa Canada Guyana Suriname St Lucia Barbados and right here in Trinidad. Pass by any bar on any given day and you are bound to hear More Rum for Me being blasted, the song is loved by the young and old of every race and religion. More Rum for me is a mega hit which can also be found on the internet both audio and video. The song is currently the biggest cross over Hit for 2005 and still getting bigger.
His most recent achievement is the Best Soca chutney Song of the year award at the international soca awards held on oct 1st 2005 at queens hall.His next album will be out in stores by the end of oct on this album you can expect a variety of songs including a Parang and a reggae together with Chutney and Soca Chutney .
For carnival 2006 Neeshan D Hitman has once again done it with his now very popular tune Firewater original name Rum Meh brother say. A video of this very popular song was shot during a visit to Guyana To date this tune is number One several radio stations that play chutney music .
2006 has seen the Hitman continuing his packed schedule with tours to almost every country that enjoys the chutney genre of music his most recent being to Los Angeles |
 Neil D. Persad
Neil D Persad was born in Debe, Trinidad and resided at the junction of the very talented Ramai Trace. Neil comes from a very talented family and through the guidance and blessings of his beloved parents has always been heavily involved in Music and multicultural activities.
Neil began his music career playing for many temples and bhajan groups at the tender age of 8, when the harmonium he played was bigger than him. He then began his classical training in singing, harmonium and the tabla from ustaad Boodlal (Doy) Samaroo who was an accomplished drummer trained by professor H S Adesh.
At the tender age of 16 Neil migrated to Toronto, Canada to further his education in the field of Computer Programming. While in college, Neil began playing and singing professionally with the great Music Director, Karamchand Maharaj. Neil then went on to form his first band called "Sangeet Canada", Canada's first crossover West-Indian band.
Neil began accompanying top entertainers such as Harry Panday, Rajmanie Maharaj, Parry Gosine, Prahalaad Sooknanan, Bul Bul Ganguly (India), Naqi Bilgrami (India), Taruna Devi and Bansraj Ramkisson. Ustaad Bansraj Ramkisson recognized his potential and began training him in indian classical singing and Tabla. He has accompanied Bans on many performances thorough North America.
In 1988 Neil moved to Florida to thaw out from 7 years in the icebox and began building his foundation for the "Florida Melody Makers" which was formed in 1989.
Neil began his recording career in 1991 and made his first cassette entitled "Gems Of Mukesh Volume 1". This cassette has sold over 5,000 copies worldwide but unfortunately was pirated in the North American market.
Neil has given his life for his culture and together with the dedicated members of his band have performed at no charge for many non-profit organizations. Neil has taken the Florida Melody Makers to great heights making it currently the only North American -West Indian band to be in existence for 13 consecutive years. This band has accompanied some of the best artistes in the world. Neil's Idol, has always been the great Vareendra Persad (Leader of the Triveni band). Vareendra and Neil are very good friends and share a great relationship.
The band is completing it's very first CD which was released in February 2002. Keep checking this website for more details. Neil is a Microsoft/Cisco Certified Systems Engineer by profession and is currently employed at a major technology Provider in Ft Lauderdale as a Senior Network Engineer. Neil does a super imitation of Mukesh (Lookout Devindra), a dedicated pioneer of East/West-Indian culture here in south Florida. "Yeh hai Neil Persad"
Neil Can be contacted by e-mail at melodee@attbi.com
Also check out his website at www.floridamelody.com |
 Polly Sookraj
Polly is the last in a family of nine, possesses a quiet charm and is always confident of her ability to stir the audiences with her expert delivery. Her tutors in India
described her singing as god-gifted, what a demonstration of confidence reposed in this Cunupia born lass. |
 Rajlal Samaroo
Rajlal Samaroo and Guru Mehdi Hassan
Rajlal was a member of the Sissons Nayasansar Orchestra up to 1980. He migrated to New York and has been living there since. Rajlal Samaroo was recently indoctrinated as an offical student of the Legendary Mehndi Hassan.
He continues to be very active in the cultural sphere, maintains a very close relationship with the cultural happenings of Trinidad and Tobago, and offers immense assistance to Trinidad artists whenever they are in New York. His fan following is tremendous. |
 Rakesh Yankaran
Just mentioned the words Dadeeya Moray Laylay or Mousie and immediately you think of a tall imposing figure with looks strikingly close to that of the late great Isaac Yankaran. Listen to him sing and you would think it is The late Isaac Yankaran, but its not.This personality belongs to the most successful chutney artistes in Trinidad Rakesh Yankaran , a son of the late Isaac Yankaran.
Rakesh was born on the 3rd of December in Brickfield , Carapichaima. At the age of five he lost his father which was a tragic loss not only to his family but also to Trinidad and Tobago.
Many wonder how Rakesh inherited his talent from his late father without his presence but who knows this could be a divine intervention from the almighty.
Rakesh is self taught, reads Hindi and is very versatile and skillful. He renders classical and religious songs with the same expertise as he does his chutney. Whenever the History of Trinidad is written Rakesh's name will go down in History for the joy and absolute pleasure he has brought to thousands worldwide with his melodious voice. |
 The Rampersad Brothers
Each year, the producers of the Annual Valentine Spectacular usually use the occasion to bring from abroad Caribbean artistes domiciled outside of this country. So far, Devendra Pooran, Polly Sookraj, Terry Gajraj and Kries Ramkhlewan have appeared as guest performers.
The producers through Mastana Bahar were so impressed by a group of brothers who call themselves the Rampersad Brothers decided that this talented bunch of youngsters should be included in the line up of performers.
Devanand and Zaniffa Rampersad are the proud parents of five boys. Four of them, Vijay, Stephen, Suresh and Rajesh make up this young powerhouse group. They all live at Raju Trace in San Francique, Penal. Their repertoire includes Film, Bhangra, Folk and Chutney.
The band is now heavily booked to perform all over Trinidad. Quite apart from from music which now occupies most of their time, these youngsters are very much involved assisting their parents and can often be seen tending their herd of cattle or in the canefields.
The elder ones through YTEP, having acquired skills in various trades like welding.
They started their careers like most of the artistes from rural Trinidad, in Temples singing bhajans. Their grandfather is credited for teaching the intricacies of singing and Rakesh; a former keyboard player with Harry Mahabir assisted with the musical aspect. |
 Rana and Susan Mohip
Rana began playing the harmonium. at the age of seven and later defined himself as one of Trinidad's leading musicians. He sang regularly at Satsanghs before joining the Gayatones Indian Orchestra.
In 1987 began studying for his B.A. (Music) at the Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, (New Delhi) under the guidance of its principal Pt. Vinaya Chandra Maudgalya. Secured First Division on Completion of his degree.
Began five years of study of the Tabla under Guru Kulbhushan Bhargava.
Became a teacher at Gandharva Mahavidyalaya and member of its prestigious choir. In 1994, completed M.A. (Music) at the same institution under Shri Vinod Kumar and Shri Madhup Mudgal.
Performances at India's Music Festivals such as Vishnu Digambar Jayanti, Sankat Mochan Festival, Swatcha Ganga Utsav, Chandigarh Sangeet Sammelaan... Regular appearances on All India Radio and India's Television.
Performances alongside renowned artistes of India including Pt. Jasraj, Pt. Rajan & SaJan Mishra, Madhup Mudgal, Shublia Mudgal, Veena Sahasrabuddhe.
Cultural exchanges & tours to Guadeloupe, Guyana, India, Canada, New York and Suriname.
1995 performance at Sri Satya Sai World Music Conference.
1996 co-founder of Sangeet Mahavidyalaya.
_______________
Susan made her first public appearance at age three on Indian Variety. She became known as Baby Susan.
1977 became youngest qualifier for the finals of Mastana Bahar at age six. Placed First on Twelve and Under at age eight.
Performances for visiting celebrities Amitabh Bachan, Waheeda Rahaman, Asha Bhosle, R.D. Burman
Started First dance school at age 13. 1987 - 1988 Won Indian Cultural Pageant Dance Competition. Toured extensively as Baby Susan.
In 1989 began studies in Kathak Dance at the Kathak Kendra, New Delhi under the direction of Shrimati Reba Vidhiyarthi. Secured First Division on completion of B.A. (Kathak).
Featured performances at Nritya Utsav, Swatcha Ganga Utsav, Kala Mandir, Videshi kalakar Utsav, Sara Chandrika Kathak Festival.
In 1994 completed M.A. (Kathak) securing First Division under guru Shrimati Vaswati Mishra; study of folk dances of India; three year course in music; two years of Tabla under Shri Partho Roy.Toured extensively in India, Canada, New York, Suriname and Guyana and Guadeloupe.
Performance for international dignitaries such as Prime Minister of India, HRH Prince of Wales, President of Botswana...
1996 Co-founder of Sangeet Mahavidyalaya. |
 Rasika Dindial
Rasika Dindial born on the 8th October in the district of Caroni. Her father is the veteran classical singer Basdeo' Lappo ' Dindial and her brother the popular Jairam Dindial. Rasika, like all singers who grew up in homes dominated by Indian songs and music began her career quite early and over the years has grown to become the Queen or Rani of Chutney in Trinidad and by extension The World.
Rasika's name today is household when it comes to classical and chutney songs-no one can forget her mega hits lazyman, ratiya poosoor,goomai chalay and the monster hit Dr. Sampath. |
 Ravi Sookhoo
Born and bred in Toronto, Canada, to Trinidadian parents, the name Ravi Sookhoo was always associated with a person who was a serious, gifted and dedicated Indo Caribbean musician on the Toronto music scene. Rav (or Ravi) grew up in Toronto listening to Indian music and of course chutney and soca music with a passion like no other individual had.
At a young age, Rav had the opportunity to go to India and study music on various occasions, as well as having his own home studio and band “Nirvaan”. Nirvaan was the first band in Toronto to achieve the kind of success that it did and was very popular in its day. Nirvaan won competitions against other leading Caribbean bands for the Caribana season, and produced hit albums on a regular basis.
In addition to the Soca and Chutney music Rav was known for loving, due to his musical studies in India, he was also a known accomplished Indian classical musician as well. He backed up popular Indian singers from Sudhir Narain to Hari Om Sharan on numerous occasions, and produced music for almost every Indian singer and pundit in Toronto. How ever, Rav’s real musical climax started about 2 1/2 years ago, when he moved to Trinidad.
Despite his friend’s and family’s disapproval of moving back to the country where every one seemed to wanted to leave at that point, he made his bold move and went back to Trinidad, all for the love of his culture and music. In addition to holding down an IT Management position during the day and completing his degree in the evening, Rav made time and started working for the popular chutney capital “FM Studio’s” operated by Fareed Mohammed, as a music producer/arranger. Producing hit music for all the big names such as Heeralal Rampartap, Molly Ramcharan, Drupatee, Rooplal G, Videsh Sookoo and Anil Bheem, Ravi quickly became and currently is one of the most sought after musicians in Trinidad and Tobago. He produces hits on a regular basis now for many top individual artists as well as for the members of the band that he now belongs to.He’s the keyboardist for the popular band, the BMRZ led by Anil Bheem. Previous to the BMRZ, he had stints and worked with almost every popular Indian band in Trinidad from the Spreadpal Crew to the T&Tec Gayatones.
In addition to this profile, you can learn more and hear more of the tunes which you probably already know, but didn’t realise were produced by Ravi on his website, www.ravisookhoo.com |
 Rikki Jai
Rikki Jai was born Samraj Jaimungal, the fifth child in an East Indian family of six in Friendship Village, San Fernando. Raised in the Hindu faith by a mother who spoke Hindi, Jai discovered a love of music and began performing with local Indian bands Triveni and Naya Andaz. His calypso career began in 1989 on the Spektakula Forum stage with a song by Gregory Ballantyne titled "Sumintra". The song about a East Indian woman who told her boyfriend about her preference of Soca over the Indian artist Lata Mangeshkar became an instant hit.
Many other hits would follow including, show me your motion (1990) and wine on a bumsee (1993). After 1993 Jai began performing and recording primarily in the Chutney Soca arena and hits such as Doolahin, Rosie Bilna and Jarah Lagehla propelled him into the International arena. Jai captured the Chutney Soca Monarch title in 1998/1999 and the National Chutney Monarch title in 1999/2000. In 2001 he tied for 1st place (with Bunji Garlin) for the Young King Title and in 2002 for the fourth time in five years, Rikki Jai was chosen Chutney Soca Monarch.
He is currently represented by Question Mark Entertainment -- a management camp that includes other respected artists such as Maximus Dan, Kes and Nadia Batson, and is in high demand for his energetic and charismatic performances all over the U.S. the U.K and beyond. Jai prefers to stay home when he is not performing. He told the Sunday Express in July 2000, When I leave the stage I tend to do family-oriented things. I don't like clubs and I don't like to party, I love movies and river limes. My big thing is renting a movie and just kicking back and staying close to those I have known all my life."
Most recently Rikki Jai just completed a tour of five cities in Germany (performing as part of a contingent to promote Trinidad and Tobago culture and to support the Soca Warriors effort).
|
 Robert Mohammed
Robert Mohammed is the MC of the evenings performance. He is also a fine singer and will render some vintage Rafi hits at the show. Robert is the CEO/RF COMMUNICATION ENGINEER of WICR 89.3 fm all Indian radio station that signs on at 6.00pm on Fridays and broadcasts straight through to midnight on Sundays, serving the Queens/Richmond Hill area in New York city. |
 Savitri Rampersad
Savitri Rampersad was born in Couva on the 3rd of September 1955.She now resides in central Trinidad at #9 School Street,karan drive , Edinburgh Village ,Chauanans.Certain ,simple style and grace that is her hallmark of her great achievement and perfomances,that won her the admiration of many music aficionados,for people listening pleasure and enjoyment ; especially those who prefer to listen to the olden goldies of yester year.She started her career at the tender age of 7.
Savitri have performed in many countries like Canada,Jamaica,United States Of Amercia,Suriname,Guyana ,and many more foreign countries with her enchanting voice and great success.Savitri entered many competitions with tremendous success;eg.Chutney Soca Monarch competition in 1997 where she was placed second .So doing she kept entering as many shows keeping the culture alive. She was the first female artiste to enter Mastana Bahar in 1970.Known by her fans as the Local Shamshad Begum,she sang with most of the orchestra's in Trinidad and Tobago and abroad as well.Singing with the number one orchestra the Clico Winston William Indian Art Orchestra with the maestro - Harry Mahabir.She sang with Naya Zamana,Sapphire,Dil - E-Nadan,Xitaaz,xtra foods dream team-nazimool and rubi and many more.
Savitri attain an Achievement Award for Culture and Art from the United Federation of Hindu Mandir in the U.S.A in 1999. Her stunning success was in the year 2000 where she copped the second prize in the grand finals of mastana baha after entering in mastana for years and cmpeting with other artiste .Savitri has released three cd's - Come Dance Bhougie vol 1 & 2 chutney selections one of which she is accompanied by her husband-Dhanraj,and Back IN Times vol 1, golden oldies songs of the legendary Lata Mangeshkar and Shamshad Begum..A devoted mother of three children and grandmother of one also a devoted wife and the number one mother-in-law...Singing songs of yesteryear Savitri Rampersad....
Contact # 672-3445/6970
Email - heero@tstt.net.tt |
 Shaliza Sherry Ali Babwah
During the 2002 series of Mastana Bahar like a breath of fresh air, a new voice and personality emerged on the cultural scene with stunning impact.
The radio stations and newspapers were inundated with requests for songs of this new singer and information. In October of 2002 she gave a live performance Under the Trees at the Hotel Normandie and excelled. A star was born. Trinidad and Tobago with open arms now welcome another dynamic female singer star in Shaliza Babwah.
Shaliza was born in Felicity. The great grand daughter of Nabijan and Jaitoon Ali of Bengal, themselves classical singers. She attended the Felicity Hindu and Lakshmi Girls Hindu College. Her academic pursuits are quite substantial having pursued advance levels in Business Studies, Law, Marketing and Sales Management. If that was not enough, she obtained a diploma in accounting and finance. She is currently training in Classical Dance, Music, Hindi, Urdu and Acting.
She is also very much into broadcasting. One of her dreams is to join a vibrant radio station where she hopes she can be help to develop and promote Indian culture in a very different way.
Shaliza's early career started with the Baal Vikas School Choir, Lakshmi Girls Choir, The school’s Parang Group and an active member of the Debating and Public Speaking team. Shaliza spent some time with renowned musician/ tutor Mangal Patassar and is presently undergoing training with Guru Aftab Ahamad Ali Khan who incidentally played a major role in grooming artistes such as Sonu Nigam and Alisha Chinoy.
She sizzles on stage with her racy Asha Bhonsle hits but is equally at home with the golden oldies. |
 Shankuntala Jangbahdoor
Among the outstanding artistes in Trinidad and Tobago, undoubtedly one of the top vocalists, is Shakuntala Jangbahadoor, a pioneer of combinations of Hindustani, Classical, Film and Western Forms of Music
Born in Penal in 1964, Shakuntala was the third of five children born to Mr. and Mrs. D Jangbahadoor. Her family is a deeply religious and music oriented one, one which nurtured and embedded in Shakuntala's soul the aesthetic beauty and divinity of music.
At the age of six she was introduced to the stage as an actress in a Ramayan play produced by her father. Her grandparents, who sang Ramayan and Folk music also contributed to nurturing the soulful and heartful strains that Shakuntala now renders. Peotry competitions,choir singing and most of all temple and Ramayan singing developed in Shakuntala a singing style which in its delicacy and refinement has remained ungarnished over the years.
Shakuntala has experienced and participated in numerous forms of music. At the secondary school level, she was exposed to English and Western Music, hindi songs, plays, as well as painting. These experiences have left her well rounded and artistically balanced. It was at Secondary and University levels of education however, that this young phenomenal artist was recognised for what she was.
At the university of the West Indies where she read for a degree in History and Social Sciences during the years 1985-1989 Shakuntala was nicknamed the "Nightingale". She became the lead singer for SPIC. From then on there was no stopping her. She performed with outstanding success in many competitions and shows.
She has been to Puerto Rico, New York, Miami and Japan for cultural performances, yet her modesty , simplicity and almost ascetic humility has endured .
In 1989, Shakuntala organised the programme 'Sangeet Ka Sagar' ( An ocean of Music) at Palms Club in San Fernando. It was extremely successful. In the same year, this beautiful nightingale was rewarded by being awarded a scholarship to India by the Indian High Commission, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree with Honours in Vocal music.
During her five years stay in India, Shakuntala performed in various programmes and was nicknamed 'KHOYAL' ( Bird With A BEAUTIFUL VOICE).. She did recordings with the famous Indian Music Directors Salil Choudary and Anil Biswas.She even participated in a programme A Tribute to Ravi Shankar.
She returned to Trinidad in 1994. She is by profession a secondary school teacher of Social Studies and also conducts vocal classes in San Fernando and Penal. The beauty and purity of her voice and her singing has been developed and almost perfected over time. She has obtained through her experiences, self Knowledge and moral and spiritual enlightenment. In her deeply religious strains one senses the odour of sanctity, the beauty of holiness- a type of music that regenerates , inspires, lifts the heart and nourishes the soul. |
 Shivanna Ragoonan
Shivanna Ragoonan is the winner of the 2001 series of Mastana Bahar.This bright , talented teen is just sixteen years old and is a student of the St Augustine Girl's High School.She won the competetion with a superb delivery on our national instrument the steelpan, the immortal hit EK PYAR KA NAGMA HAI.
Her career began when she was only four but blossomed when she reached five. Shivanna entered the Baal Vikaas competetion when she was barely out of nursery school and at that young age, became the centre of controversy when someone objected to her playing the steel pan in a Hindu competetion." At that time, I was attending the St Helena Hindu School. However, I didn't drop out of the competetion, i stayed in by playing the keyboard," the proud and versatile musician added.
Shivanna was taught the steel pan by her father, who played with the Tunapuna All Stars. From the time she could hold the sticks properly her dad had her pounding away on the pan" There were times when i would not want to practise, but he would push me. Sometimes, I would want to give up, but he was always adamant about my education too, as he not only wanted me to excel in pan, but also do my school work."
Shivanna has also participated with distintion on the Children of Mastana and Twelve and Under Television shows and represents her school at the Schools Panorama competetion.She is a member of the Nada Sagama Steel Orchestra, playing alongside her dad. |
 Sophia Mustapha
Sophia Mustapha started dancing at the tender age of nine with the Desh Premee Dance Group led by Randy Dhanessar.
After only a few months of training Sophia discovered that she was ready for stage performances and began dancing at weddings, chutney shows, The Indian Cultural Pageant, Indian Variety and off course Mastana Bahar. She gained enormous experience in a short period of time and began tutoring other aspiring dancers.
When Sophia attained the age of eighteen, along with her sister Mauressa Mustapha , they formed what is now known as the Nirvana Dance Group.
Today this group is one of the top dance groups in Trinidad specializing in Chutney , folk and Film. They have performed at several international stages like Surinam, Guyana, New York, Venezuela and St Lucia to name a few and have accompanied several top performers with distinction.
Sophia and her sister are quite attractive and very creative, they never fail to deliver a most exhilarating dance performance whenever the opportunity arises. |
 Terry Gajraj
http://www.terrygajraj.com/bio.html |
 Tricia Ramdhan
Tricia Ramdhan is presently the lead singer with the Rangeela Orchestra. Professionally, she is a registered nurse at the San Fernando General Hospital and is the holder of an associate degree in general nursing obtained at NIHERST. She has completed a three-year degree programme in nursing.
Tricia has shown her passion for singing since her early days having entered the Children of Mastana in 1996 placing fourth in the Grand Finals.
In 2003 she completed the double placing second in the grand finals of Mastana Bahar She is actively involved in religious activities as a member of the Trevini Mandir of Williamsville. Tricia is a firm believer that without God nothing is possible. |
 Vidya Babwah Gosein
This talented young lady was originally from Spring Village, Valsayn. She started singing in her primary school, Spring Village Hindu, and led her school choir in Bal Vikas competitions from age seven. She refined her skills from age nine under the tutorship of Sri Rajan Seemungal.
He was quite influential in making her the success she became in the music world. Her training took a different form when she transitioned from Bhajans and Kirtans to Raagas and more into the classical form of music. Along with her uncle and brother she continued to sing with Sri Rajan in temples and at Ramayans and Satsanghs all over Trinidad.
On her transfer to Lakshmi Girls Hindu College, she also led the choir and represented the school in national Sanskritic Sangam. She made her school proud when she brought home many challenged trophies. Her school choir also made a guest appearance on the talent show, Ricki Ticki and other television features.
At fifteen, Vidya performed for the first time at the preliminary round of Mastana Bahar, the most prestigious talent competition in Trinidad. She was a proud first place winner. She then went on to the semifinal round where she again placed first. It was at that performance, Mr. Teddy Bissambhar approached her to join his D. Rampersad’s Indian Art Orchestra. Alas, her dream of following in the footsteps of the legendary Lata Mangeshkar was becoming a reality.
Vidya graduated from Lakshmi Girls’ College in 1993 with distinction and a full certificate. In December of that year she competed in the finals of Mastana Bahar where she placed fourth. From then on she appeared in Rafi’s Mother’s Day show and many other occasions.
Vidya has had the opportunity to perform with many famous and renowned artistes. One was Nitin Mukesh, son of Mukesh Chandmatur, and Devindra Pooran of Guyana. She sang melodious duets with many local artistes such as Indar Kanhai, Anil Bissambhar, Ras Nancoo Singh, his sons Andy and Ian Singh, Renee Ramnarine, Sona d Jeweller, and Ricky Jai. She also utilized her talent to voice many successful ads for food products.
She made her international debut with Indian Art Orchestra in Mississauga, Canada and was a great hit. She toured Canada a second time and then continued to New York and Miami. Vidya now resides in Miami, Florida with her husband Yudesh and their children Vishan and Anjali. She continues to perform at shows and religious occasions with Neil Persad and the Florida Melody Makers and other visiting bands. She also practices her talented melodious voice by singing to her children to upkeep her talent. |
BANDS |
Angels Caribbean Band Profile
Angels Caribbean Band, led by Amar "Vinod" Bisram, is New York's most versatile Caribbean live band consisting of a team of dynamic and talented musicians and singers from various Caribbean islands. Angels Caribbean Band made their professional debut in June 1994.
The original concept behind the formation of this group is to promote and preserve Caribbean arts, culture and heritage. Angels Caribbean Band has enjoyed remarkable success and continues to be trendsetters since they exploded upon America's Indo-Caribbean music scene.
With the ability to play different types of music, the group had the privilege to accompany most of the top named Caribbean artistes including the late 'Godfather of Chutney Music' Sundar Popo, Terry Gajraj, Rooplal G, Chris Garcia, Ricky Jai, Crazy, Baron, Calypso Rose, Kris Ramkhelawan, Soca Raja, Ashnie, Sunny Man, Heeralall Rampertab, Apache Waria, Arawak Indian, Sammy Baksh, Yankarran Brothers, Jameer Hosein, Rasika Dindiyal, Devindra Pooran, Daveanand Gatoo, Videsh Sookoo, Adesh, Rick Ramdehal, and many more. Angels Caribbean Band was also fortunate to share the same stage with Dave Martins and The Tradewinds, Arrow, Traffic, Krossfyah, The Mighty Sparrow.
Angels Caribbean Band had many memorable performances throughout America, which includes the world famous Lincoln Center, Madison Square Garden, The Nassau Coliseum, Six Flags Theme Park, Disney Amphitheater, Albany and Baltimore Carnival, Queens Day Festival, Jamaica Arts & Music Festival, New York's Annual Phagwah Parade in NY and many more.
The group has been honored many times for their contribution towards numerous charitable events.
Top ranked professional musicians are Vinod on keyboards/arranger, Ramdeo on bass guitar, Charles on rhythm/lead guitar, Ronald on dholak/tabla/congas, Freddy on second keyboard, Mitch and Anselm on Trumpet, Ramesh and Jive on Saxophone and Vikash on drums. Lead female vocalists are New York's Sensations, Geeta Bisram and Tricia Allyen. Lead male vocalist is Dexter M.
The sound (P.A) is provided by Angels Sound Reinforcement. Sound Engineer is Vijay and technicians are Shaun, Drex and Richard.
|
CARIBBEAN VIBRATIONZ
 Ravindra Kalpoo (Leader/Musical Arranger)
Ravindra Kalpoo is one of the most sort after musicians/producers in the country today. He has been playing music for most of his life and has played keyboards for several top bands in Trinidad and Tobago. He is now the leader of his own band called Caribbean Viberationz. Some of his credits are musical arrangement for Adesh Samaroo, Neeshan Prabhoo, Heerlal Rampartap, Dynes Belfor and the list just goes on and on. Ravindra Kalpoo or Zogi as wee all know him is one of the most gifted musicians in Trinidad and Tobago
 Ronald Kalicharan (Lead Guitarist)
Mr. Kalicharan is a veteran in the music industry. He is one of the best guitarist of our generation. Completely literate in the language of music Mr. Kalicharan created flawless musical arrangements virtually at will. Some of his credits are musical arrangements for Heerlal Rampartap, Parang Queen Sharlene Flores just to name a few. He to has performed locally and internationally with many bands but has finally found his home with Caribbean Viberationz.
Vikash Singh (Bass Guitarist)
Vikash Singh is one of the hardest working musicians today. Practicing everyday perfecting his skills as a bass guitarist. He has a grade three in music literacy and continues to climb to higher highs in his musical education. He is a seasoned performer and has performed with a number of bands in the country over the years.
 Anil Petie (Vocalist)
His vibrance and stage performance is as good as the best in the industry. Anil amazes audiences every time he performs. He too is a finalist in the prestigious Mastana Bahar. Just 19 years of age Anil has performed with several bands in Trinidad and Tobago.
Lead singer for Trinidad and Tobago’s upcoming band Caribbean Vibrationz.
Most recently, Anil performed in Toronto and Montreal and has signed with Upscale Events International out of Mississauga, Ontario. Canada.
With hits like “TELEPHONE VIBES AND DOSTI PARTY” he’s growing in confidence with every performance, he would definitely be a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
 Jason Solomon (Vocalist)
Jason has been involved in music for the last seven years. He is the newest member of the band. Jason’s performance is rated second to none by his fans. He has performed extensively throughout Trinidad and Tobago with bands such a Dil Ke Awaz, HCU Stars International, Millennium Stars International. He has also performed alongside a number of artistes such as Heeralal Rampartap, Devanand Gatoo, Kenneth Seepersad, just to name a few. His amazing vocals leave a lasting effect on audiences wherever and whenever he performs.
 Surendra Rambaran (Drummer)
Surendra has been playing music for the past ten (11) years. His first appearance as a musician was at age (10). Surendra is an accomplished percussionist and has earned the respect of many in his field. He is known to many as the “wizard” of electronic drum programming; this skill was totally developed and tuned to perfection by his life long friend and mentor Ravindra Kalpoo. Surendra has basic training in classical Indian music. He was the student of Mr. Rana Mohip for the period of two (2) years. As a student he received formal training in the art of Tabla playing.
|
D.RAMPERSAD
The D. Rampersad Indian Art Orchestra (formerly Indian Art Orchestra) was founded by Mr. Sewak Gyan (now deceased) in the year 1955 at Guaico Sangre Grande, Trinidad, West Indies.
This historic event occurred at a time when East Indians began to display renewed enthusiasm towards their cultural heritage in Trinidad and Tobago.
In the year 1975 the mantle of leadership was taken over by the youthful and dynamic virtuoso, Teddy Krishna Bissambhar. Thereafter, the band gained immense popularity which has already spanned over a period of three (3) decades.
During that same year (1975) the band became sponsored by D. Rampersad and Co. Ltd.,a well-established automotive firm in Trinidad and Toabgo, and with their moral and financial support, the band was able to acquire some modern equipment, wich helped them skyrocket to greater heights in the sphere of Indian Culture in Trinidad and Tobago.
The name Teddy Bissambhar became a household name, not only in Trinidad and Tobago, but also at a global level. His magical fingers coupled with his limitless knowledge in the art form have ensured the band’s No. 1 position in the country for a very long time.
The D.Rampersad Indi-Art Orchestra is now led by the versatile Akash Bissambhar (the elder son of Teddy Bissambhar), and has a membership of five (5) competent musicians and four popular vocalists and presently has its own recording studio with some of the most modern Hi-Tech equipments available on the world market today. It is notable that the band’s musical repertoire is not limited to only Indian music, but includes all other types of music as well.
To date, this very popular band has celebrated its 50th Anniversary and is rapidly growing from strength to strength, providing professional entertainment throughout the length and breadth of Trinidad and Tobago and internationally, capturing the hearts of thousands with its thrilling performances.
1988 to 1989: The band defeated twenty-one (21) top orchestras at the National Orchestration Competition “Saaj Sameelaan” organized by the National Council of Indian Culture, and remains champions to present.
1989: The band performed at the Carnival Expo ’89 and Soca Village alongside top soca bands. The band also performed with India’s ace singer “Charanjit Singh”
1990: The test-piece (Rainbow) for the National Pan/Chutney Competition was composed by Teddy Bissambhar, leader of the band. This competition was organized by the Hindi Nidi Foundation and Pan Trinbago.
1991 to 2000: The band provided music for the very popular television series “Mastana Bahar” and “Indian Cultural Pageant”.
1992:
(a) The band thrilled audiences at the Palais Hindu Celebrations in Curacao.
(b) The band also extensively toured Canada and North America with “Bright Star Promotions” of Canada, capturing the hearts of thousands with their unique performances.
(c) Provided backup music for India’s popular Ghazal singer, “Pamela Singh”
1993: Performed alongside India’s popular cabaret singer “Usha Urtup” and performed with “Anoop Jalota”.
1994: The band provided backup music for India’s famous play-back singer, “Kumar Sanu”, at the National Stadium, Port-of-Spain, before a massive audience of 23,000.
1996: the leader of the band “Teddy Bissambahr” composed two (2) orchestration test pieces “Chutney Fantasy” and “Taaj Mahal” for Pan Trinbago.
1997- Provided backup music for the first ever “National Chutney/Soca Mornach Competition” organized by Southex promotions.
1998: Provided backup music for India’s popular playback singer “Nitin Mukesh” .
2000: Performed alongside India’s famous movie star “Shah Rukh Khan” at Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain.
1993-2002: Performed at 103 fm’s Annual Anniversary Mela.
1995-2005: Performed for N.C.I.C. at the Divali Nagar Annual Celebrations.
The band has seven (7) popular C.D’s accredited to its name :-
- MUSIC TO MAKE YOU DANCE (1999)
- Y2K CHUTNEY VIRUS (2000)
- YEAR 2000 HIGH ENERGY (2000)
- UNDER WILDNESS (2001)
- BORN TO MUSIC (2002)
- FRAGILE (2003)
- HIGHER LEVEL (2005)
 Teddy Krishna Bissambhar - Musical Director, Arranger
In 1975 Teddy Krishna Bissambhar took over leadership of the band and thereafter, the band gained immense popularity which has already spanned over a period of three (3) decades.
 Akash Bissambhar - Assistant to the Musical Director
At the tender age of eleven, it was discovered that Akash was musically oriented. Akash is the first son of the well renowned musical director, Teddy Krishna Bissambhar, the leader of Trinidad's top Indian Band The D. Rampersad's Indian Art Orchestra.
Akash is the lead keyboardist of the band, and there is no question as to where he aquired his musical abilities and skills. Akash has competed in the top competitions such as Mastana Bahar where he successfully placed at high positions.
Akash goals for the future is to follow the footsteps of his father and someday, lead his father's band. Akash successfully completed his studies at the North Eastern College Sangre Grande and is presently furthering his knowledge in computer studies.
 Neval Bissambhar - Guitarist
Neval is the second son of the famous Teddy K. Bissambhar. Neval is relatively new to the music scene, where as he started playing the guitar at the tender age of 12 years.
Presently he is one of the youngest musicians in the band. Neval's skills was acknowledged by his father, who also is a guitarist par excellence. Given the push and the encouragement from his father and mother, Neval is surely successful at the strings.
Apart from his music capabilities, Neval is also of an artistic nature.
He won various Art and Craft competitions throughout Trinidad and Tobago and attained numerous prizes for his creativity.
Presently he is a fifth form student of the Sangre Grande Junior Secondary School. Neval's goals for the future is to become an engineering architech. His role models are his parents whom he says is his source of encouragement and support.
 Rishi Ramkissoon - Vocalist
Relatively new to the music scene, Rishi Ramkissoon is already on of the latest editions to the list of 'heart throbs' in local male artistes. It's been two years since his joining of the Indian Art Orchestra, and this multi-talented young man is well known and proclaimed throughout Trinidad and even throughout the US. Rishi has done several tours with his resident band where he visited Florida, New York, Canada, just to name a few.
Rishi is a graduate of the University of the West Indies, and currently he manages and owns his own transport business. On account of his singing career, Rishi loves entertaining and for the future he wishes to venture into the field of broadcasting. |
DIL-E-NADAN
 Raymond Ramnarine - Leader, Arranger, Vocalist
Raymond started his music career at the tender age of 9 years. His love for Indian music has grown tremendously, ever since the early days of Dil-E-Nadaan. In 1985 and 1988 he toured Canada with Dil-E-Nadaan. In 1989 he composed the test-piece "Dostaana" for Saaj Sammelan. Raymond started his 'singing' career then and won the Nationwide Duet Singing Competition together with Saraswatie Maharaj.
In 1991 he toured Jamaica and entered Mastana Bahar and attained 1st place in the Preliminaries and Semi Finals, and 2dn place in the Gtand Final. Also appeared that year at the Indian Cultural Pageant to serenade the queens.
Raymond is today regarded as our most electryfying stage performer. He continues to attract endless attention whenever he performs and is still regarded as our heartrob.
 Rennie Ramnarine
Rennie Ramnarine learned to play the Drum Machine, Trumpet, Syntersizer, Guitar, and Bass Guitar by himself . He went to music school to learn to play the trumpet and to learn to read and write music. He has been playing music for the past 10 years, and played music for Hari Om Sharan and Nandani Sahran. Also Salima Mohammed of Dam Dama Dam fame and also artists from New York, India and Jamaica. He has already performed in New York, Toronto, Montreal, Jamaica, Miami, Orlando etc.
Helped in the arrangement of the Saaj Sameelan composition, entitled Dostana which was composed by his father, Mr. Ramnarine 'Tole' Moonilal, leader of the Dil-E-Nadann Indian Orchestra. Sang on Indian Variety and was a finalist on Mastana Bahar. Rennie has just returned from a successful tour of the USA - New York, Miami and Orlando. He as also just released a brand new cassette 'New Image'.
The music was done and some songs rearranged by Raymond, Richard and Rennie himself. The songs were selected by Rennie's father and mother.
Rennie currently plays rhythm, lead guitar and bass guitar and is also one of the lead singers with the Dil-E-Nadaan Indian Orchestra of Gasparillo. He plans to further his studies, academically and also in music and with his singing. He is very grateful to his parents for the guidance, encouragement, support, love and understandings. They are very proud and in turn Raymond, Richard and Rennie hopes to continue this tradition and would like to thank other members of the Dil-E-Nadan for all their support.
 Richard Ramnarine
Meet the baby of the talented Ramnarine family - Richard. Just like his illustrious brothers Raymond and Rennie - musician - singer and oh-well the girls go berserk for him.
Richard joined the band in 1990 as a Dholak and Tabla player. He received formal training from Roby Rooplal for about one year. In 1993 he expanded his role to include all percussion instruments and the rhythm machine. Richard is a player of the nineties synchronizing the eastern and western rhythms with such ease and perfection.
Elder brother Raymond remembers heckling Richard that he should follow his brothers not only as musicians but he should take up singing and he did - but fully aware of the standards set by his brothers used to hide and rehearse, in fact he made his public debut in 1995 at the annual Valentine Spectacular singing behind his instruments still shy but very effective.
In 1998 at Queens Hall and Union Park Complex, Richard for the first time took the microphone and sang at the front of the Band.
He is an important link in the Dil-E-Nadaan Orchestra. His mission id to expand his capabilities, with the help of Raymond and Rennie with the keyboards and guitars. His idols not unexpectedly are his father who he adores and brothers Raymond and Rennie who he credits with teaching him all he knows. He proposes also to pursue courses in computer technology which he hopes to incorporate within the band.
Richard today handles the arrangements of the band for their many engagements including Tours. |
DREAM TEAM
 Nazimool Khan - Vocalist
Nazimool Khan originally from St. Lucian Road., Diego Martin and now residing in Cunupia, is employed with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is married and the proud father of two sons. Whenever the history of Indian culture is written, his name will feature prominently because of his sheer skill and achievements.
Nazimool began his career in 1976, reaching the finals of Mastana Bahar in 1979. In 1980 he joined the Dil E Nadaan Orchestra and made his first International tour to North America. During that tour he cut his first album East Meets West. Nazimool has since toured North America on several occasions the Caribbean and Surinam. In 1986, with his sister Ruby he cut his first CD under the JMC Label in New York.
Although, he is inclined and favours the songs of Mohammed Rafi, Nazimool is so brilliant that he sings the songs of all the leading playback singers. Nazimool is capable of rendering a variety of songs that will showcase his diverse talent. In 1986 he won the Voice of Rafi Contest and placed second in the Voice of Kishore Contest in 1993. In 1986 and 1990 Nazimool won the Best Male Vocalist award sponsored by COTT. Nazimool Khan is the epitomy of Melody and our singing shining star.
 Ruby Khan Guptar - Vocalist
She is as gentle as a lamb and her voice is as sweet as a nightingale's. Her poise and outlook won her the Nafeita Award for the most outstanding female singer by the Copyright Organisation of Trinidad and Tobago.
Ruby Khan Guptar originally from St. Lucian Road., Diego Martin is now residing in Cunupia. The mother of two, started her singing career in 1976, in Temple groups. In 1977, she made her first public appearance when she entered Mastana Bahar. Her sweet voice prompted the leadership of the Dil E Nadan orchestra to approach her to join the band as a lead vocalist. She is now an important part of the dream team along with her brother Nazimool.Ruby has performed in Canada, New York, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Miami, Guyana, London, Barbados and St. Marten.
Ruby won the National Council of Indian Culture's Ladies singing competition and was awarded a certificate of coperation from the Global co-operative Bank for helping to make the world a better place.
This central based beauty continues to mesmerise and charm her audiences wherever she performs. In 1999, with the release of two albums - Sentimental Journeys and Divine Melodies which today are collectors' items, came the formation of the most formidable and deadly singing brother and sister duo -- The Dream Team, Ruby is a Gem of a singer.
 Kevin Khan - Keyboard Specialist
Trinidad and Tobago have and continue to produce several very young and versatile musicians of international standard and when one considers most of them have had little or no formal musical training, it is quite amazing the awesome skills demonstrated by these artistes not only in playing but in creating high quality music.
One such musician is nineteen year old Keyboard Specialist and Rhythm Composer KEVIN KHAN, the son of Nazimool Khan and nephew of songbird Ruby Guptar. Kevin is only nineteen years old and is responsible for arranging and playing the music for the Naipaul's Xtra Dream Team on all their local and international engagements.
Kevin is perhaps the youngest keyboard player in Trinidad with this kind of responsibility and when one considers the high standard demanded at all times by his dad and aunt this is quite an achievement by this youngster. Unlike many of the bands in Trinidad, sequencing music is not an option with Kevin, he prefers the traditional approach of 'Live' playing. Kevin is also very much into computers and he says this assists him tremendously in perfecting his playing capabilities. |
KARMA
 Jeewanlal Bissambhar - Vocalist
Jeewanlal Bissambhar is the bass guitarist. Jeewan is known for his renditions of Jagjit Singh and is the only singer in Trinidad that can perfect his songs.
Jeewanlal is the father of Anil, Nalini, Nisha, Ravi and a proud grandfather of two boys. He hopes to continue being an example to his kids and assisting the orchestra with his vocal and string skills.
 Nisha Bissambhar - Vocalist
Nisha Bissambhar at the age of 15 made a decision that forever changed her life - a decision to sing. At that point she was still at high-school - a (forth form) student of the Lakshmi Girls Hindu College. From then on Nisha has continued following up her dream as a singer and since then has achieved nearly all heights of her singing.
In 1995 Nisha entered the first ever series of The Children of Mastana where she placed 2nd on a number of consecutive times. A year later she was a grand finalist in Mastana Bahar where she was placed 6th. She was later awarded The Contribution to Youth Excellence by Jamal Mohammed for Children of Mastana. She was then given the task amongst other top local young artistes to judge for the competition. This was done for two years.
She went on to successfully complete her studies at her High School with distinctions in English Language subjects. She continued her education upliftment by assigning herself to a number of studies, mainly computer literacy. She worked at the Republic Bank of Trinidad and Toabgo and at present she is currently pursueing her dream as a radio broadcaster and is a trainee at Radio 90.1 FM.
Nisha does a variety of songs, ranging from Indian to English Soca to Reggae and even a little bit of Rock. She says she loves versatility but with it comes sincere devotion and sometimes even hard work.
In 1999, Nisha's song The Scorpion took Trinidad by storm and was eventually voted as the 2nd best song of the Millennium. She also did three CDs - Music to Make you Dance; Chutney Y2K Virus and High Energy, all of which were done together with her home band.
She toured the US and thrilled audiences with her ability to 'change her voice' in accordance of a particular song. Nisha also works in collaboration with Pretangeli's, where the ads are either written or performed by her. Nisha is the only solo female singer at present in the band.
 Ravi Bissambhar - Arranger / Programmer
He is one of the most popular male artistes in Trinidad because of his versality and charming personality. He is the youngest musical arranger and one of the most sought after programmer.
Ravi started singing at the age of 13 and ever since this young artiste has just kept on aspiring. Currently Ravi is continuing his studies in Computer Literacy and Business Software after graduating at the North Eastern College in Sangre Grande.
He enjoys being versatile and especially following the footsteps of Kumar Sanu. Dramatically he is a major fan of Eminem. Ravi has toured most of the U.S. and he was the recipient of numerous awards in the children of Mastana and Mastana Bahar.
 Anil Bissambhar
At the age of 14, Anil Bissambhar was announced as Trinidad's youngest Tabla player by the association of Saaj Samelan. In 1988 & 1989, when the D. Rampersad's Indian Art Orchestra won the Saaj Samelan for two consecutive years, Anil was the most talented Drummer amongst all the bands. Then and now Anil is still regarded highly for his magical rhythms and skills.
Anil perfected a number of instruments such as: Tabla, Dholak, Trumpts, Rhythm | | |
