分类： entertainment

For Aaron Jewan Singh, a 51-year-old music instructor and guru, Divali represents the enlightenment of the spirit through knowledge. Born in Marabella, Trinidad and Tobago, Singh has dedicated over four decades to mastering and teaching Indian classical music. Today, he is celebrated as one of the nation’s most revered musicians, sharing his passion and expertise with students across Trinidad, Canada, and the United States. This Divali, Singh’s mission is to ensure that the light of cultural knowledge continues to shine brightly, preserving the rich heritage of Indian classical and chutney music. To mark the occasion, he has released a new song titled *Happy Divali*. Singh believes that Divali symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, equating that light with wisdom. Through his teachings and compositions, he sees himself as lighting a metaphorical *deya* (oil lamp) in the world, spreading hope and inspiration. Singh’s journey began in a musically rich household. His parents, both accomplished musicians, immersed him in rhythm and melody from a young age. By the age of five, he was already performing publicly, accompanying renowned vocalists on the *dholak*, a traditional hand drum. His talent quickly earned him recognition, and by his teens, he was a sought-after accompanist for top performers across the Caribbean and North America. Despite facing cultural and financial challenges after migrating to the U.S. in 1997, Singh remained steadfast in his commitment to music. In 2019, he co-founded the Trinidad Classical Music Foundation (TCM) with Priya Paray, a young singer dedicated to mastering Trinidad’s classical traditions. Through TCM, Singh mentors a new generation of musicians, ensuring that the rhythms of Trinidad continue to resonate globally. His dream is to leave a lasting legacy, keeping the music and culture alive for future generations. This Divali, Singh sends a message of hope and unity, urging everyone to celebrate the festival as a symbol of renewal and strength.

On the evening of October 18, the National Council of Indian Culture (NCIC) in Chaguanas transformed into a vibrant hub of spirituality and cultural expression during the ‘Night of Dance’ at Divali Nagar. The event, illuminated by the glow of diyas and the rhythmic movements of dancers, celebrated the rich traditions of Indian culture and the unifying power of art. Thousands of attendees gathered under a gentle drizzle to witness a mesmerizing array of performances that blended traditional and modern choreography, accompanied by dazzling lights and the palpable energy of the audience. The stage came alive with acts from renowned dance groups such as the Matilda Mandir Dance Group, Zina’s Creative Dance Academy, and the Krishna Kala Dance Academy, each showcasing discipline, grace, and devotion. Chaguanas West MP Dr. Colin Neil Gosine, the evening’s special guest, emphasized the significance of Divali Nagar as a symbol of national identity and unity. ‘Divali Nagar is more than an event; it is a celebration of who we are,’ he remarked, highlighting the festival’s role in preserving heritage and fostering community spirit. The central theme, ‘Loka Samgraha’ (the welfare of the world), resonated deeply with the teachings of Divali, reminding attendees of the importance of shared prosperity and the triumph of light over darkness. The night concluded with a standing ovation and the echoing beats of drums, leaving a lasting impression of cultural pride and spiritual inspiration.

Scarborough’s Market Square transformed into a vibrant hub of rhythm and energy on October 18 as the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) and Pan Trinbago hosted PanOmega, the official panorama competition for Tobago’s carnival. The event showcased the island’s rich steelpan culture, with bands competing across two categories: small and large. The competition kicked off with the small band category, where seven groups, including Alpha Pan Pioneers, Our Boys, and First Citizens Tobago Panthers, battled to unseat the reigning champions, T&TEC New East Side Dimension. The large band category saw Dixieland and RBC Redemption Sound Setters challenge the formidable Katzenjammers Steel Orchestra, who are seeking their fourth consecutive title. The event was a celebration of talent, tradition, and community spirit, with performances that captivated the audience and highlighted the enduring legacy of steelpan music in Tobago.

Renoka Ramnath, a pioneering female dholak player from Trinidad, has defied gender norms to become a celebrated figure in the traditionally male-dominated world of Indian classical music. Born and raised in Carolina Village, Couva, Ramnath’s musical journey began in childhood under the guidance of her father, Pundit Sham Ramnath. Her fascination with rhythm was sparked by the legendary singer Ramdhanie Sharma, and by the age of nine, she was teaching herself to play the dholak using her grandfather’s drum. Her father’s unwavering support and the gift of her own dholak marked a turning point in her life. Over the years, Ramnath honed her craft under the mentorship of veteran drummer Ramesar Sookhai, mastering the intricate rhythms of Trinidadian classical Indian music. Her performances, which blend local Indian classical, chutney, and folk rhythms, have earned her the affectionate title of ‘The Queen of Local Classical Drumming.’ Despite facing challenges as a female musician, including unequal opportunities and pay, Ramnath has persevered, earning accolades such as the Dholak Icon Award in 2014. She has performed on both local and international stages, accompanied by her sister Davika, who also played dhantal and dholak. Today, Ramnath is a full-time musician, dedicated to preserving the authenticity of the dholak, which she describes as a ‘living link to our heritage.’ She hopes to inspire other women to keep the Indian musical tradition alive and continues to draw strength from the memory of her late parents and sister. Her message for Divali is one of peace, prosperity, and happiness, rooted in her deep faith and cultural pride.

At just 10 years old, Aaniya Victoria Carlton has already made a significant mark in the world of music. On October 11, she took the stage at Divali Nagar in Chaguanas, Trinidad, delivering a mesmerizing performance that honored Lord Shiva. Singing traditional hymns such as Shri Rudram Namakam and Jai Jai Shiva Shambo, Aaniya captivated the audience alongside the ISHA Organisation’s Kirtan Aachaaryas. Her rendition of Jagat Bam Bam Bam Bhola further showcased her talent and dedication to her craft. Aaniya, a fourth-grade student at Montrose Government Primary School, attributes her love for music to her natural passion and the encouragement she receives from her teacher, Vijay Rajballie, who makes learning enjoyable. Aaniya’s musical journey began at a young age, with her first song being Happy Birthday, which she sang so often that she became the family’s official birthday singer. Her mother, Anita Singh, recognized her daughter’s gift and enrolled her in Vanessa Briggs’ Vocademy during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. Since then, Aaniya has mastered various musical styles, including jazz, pop, reggae, country, and classical Indian music. Her breakthrough came in 2022 when a video of her singing caught the attention of pundit Krishen Ramdeen, the spiritual leader of ISHA Organisation Trinidad. Ramdeen invited Aaniya to join the ISHA Kirtan Aachaaryas, marking the beginning of her professional musical journey. Aaniya has since performed at significant events, including ‘Namaste Modi’ during the Indian Prime Minister’s visit to Trinidad and various recitals with the Vocademy. Despite her young age, Aaniya has learned valuable life lessons through her performances, such as time management, patience, and teamwork. She credits her mother as her biggest supporter and inspiration, calling her ‘the drill master’ for her meticulous attention to detail. Aaniya’s ultimate dream is to travel the world and record music at iconic studios like Abbey Road in London or The Studio at The Palms in Las Vegas. She has already recorded several songs, including a country-styled Christmas track and devotional pieces for ISHA. Aaniya’s message for Trinidad and Tobago this Divali is one of hope and prosperity, wishing everyone peace and joy.