GUYANA
guyanatimesgy.com
Issue No. 012
Friday, May 9, 2014
T
wo years ago, he enthralled thousands with a breathtaking performance, dubbed by many as the concert of concerts by an Indian playback singer. And so it came as no surprise that those who packed the parking lot of the Guyana National Stadium were bubbling with enthusiasm and expectation that the world renowned Sonu Nigam would replicate or even surpass the level of entertainment he offered in 2012. The fact that patrons brought out their umbrellas during two slight passing showers and they sung merrily along, while the VIP section used the space available to them to dance the night away, were clear indicators that the modern-day giant of Bollywood had once again captured the hearts of Guyanese. Appearing on stage at around 20:30h after a dance item from the Dharmic Naujawaan – the youth arm of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha – and two classical renditions from India’s Jonita Ghandi, Nigam proceeded to serenade the audience for close to three hours, belting out tunes that toyed with the emotions. Whether it was soulful, sentimental, reflective or high energy dance rhythms, Nigam was flawless as he combined with his orchestra to sizzle for a second time in two years. An almost perfect impersonator of the late Indian playback legend Padma Shri Mohammed Rafi, Nigam whetted the appetite of his Guyanese fans with a few renditions from the master of yesteryear, even as he looked jaded from performing in Trinidad and Tobago the previous night on his “Klose to my Soul” concert. It didn’t take the present day legend long though before he came into his own, stepping up the tempo with some of his current hits, including an original chutney mix he recently recorded. In 1977, at the tender age of four, Sonu announced himself to the world by singing the popular Rafi song “Kya Huwa Tera Wada” with his father Agam Kumar Nigam. History was repeated on Sunday night as the Nigams wowed the audience when they combined to deliver the evergreen tune to perfection. While all of his renditions were well received, “Suraj Hua Maddham” from the hit movie Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham and popular bhajan “Tum Vinto Suno Sab Ki” were greeted with massive applause. Intermittent showers certainly did not dampen the spirits of the patrons, who had used all conceivable forms to shelter themselves, including umbrellas, chairs and even handkerchiefs, to stay to the end of the show. After a brief break to rehydrate, Sonu returned to loud cheers, as the second segment was laced with “masti” (dance) items, foremost among them was “Yamla Paagla Deewana” to which fans let out their best dance moves. He continued to mesmerise his fans with melodious voice and stage movements. After performing several other wellknown tunes, he invited His Excellency, President Donald Ramotar to accompany him on stage. In his few minutes on stage, the President dished out a one line song that had the audience cheering lustily. He attempted a few other pieces and was commended by the singing sensation. After that, it was full party mode… Nigam started with the hot number songs that had sections of the audience on their feet as they danced to the melodies. The evening’s proceedings were capped minutes before midnight with the title song from Kal Ho Na Ho, much to the delight of the satisfied audience. It was indeed a magical evening that was enjoyed by the thousands who flocked the Guyana National Stadium on Sunday evening last. The event was hosted to commemorate the 176th Anniversary of East Indian Arrival to Guyana and was organised by the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha.
Marguerita John-Deen and Tibina
Ruth Busgith & Naomi
Suzanne Plummer and Gennel