When two cultures meet, it creates history. Something glittering happened in the capital of our country when artists from India and Singapore met and exchanged music. Musicians from both the countries shook hands to unveil the charisma of Indian-Singaporean music.
The event was Spotlight Singapore and it happened on 16th September at Shangri La Hotel. Spotlight Singapore is a platform where Singapore stands up with their talented artists to nurture understandings are friendship between Singapore itself and other world growing leading countries through incredible art from both sides.
Spotlight Singapore has successfully organized in Hong Kong-2006, Tokyo-2006, Moscow-2008, Cape Town-2010, Bratislava and Prague-2012, Mexico City-2015 and India-2019.
This initiative of Singapore has brought the countries, souls, closer to each other. The main objective is the growth of the business, cultural, education, and harmony.
The event was named AJANA. Three musicians from Singapore and two from India performed and the audience went crazy. The amazing combination of soothing music of the two countries was breathtaking. Pandit Sunil Kant Saxena, a famous Sitar Player from Delhi played spectacular along with the Flute Player Tan Qing Lun, Keyboard player Ein Ein Lee and Riduan Zalani who is a Percussion Artist. With them, accompanied Mohit Raj, a famous Tabla player.
You would be surprised to know that these artists met with each other a day before the concert and had a chance of a few minutes practice in a team. Despite such a short-term practice, the performance of these 5 artists was stunning.
The lighting ceremony was accomplished by the guest of Honor, His Excellency Mr Lim Thaun Kuna, High Commissioner of the Republic of Singapore to India. Mr. Arun Goel, Secretary, Ministry of Culture in India, Mr Imnatiba, Minister of Nagaland, Mr Lee Suan Hiang, Chairman of Global Cultural Alliance (Singapore) and Ms Jennie Chua, Chairman of The RICE Company Ltd (Singapore).
Words from the Artists:
Riduan Zalani, Percussion Artist-
Riduan proudly says that his forefathers belong from India. Where in India? He is not sure, but he has visited India many times. Riduan has seen the cities like Delhi, Chennai and even Gorakhpur. Riduan is cheerful of all. He says music is something which makes a good human being. It allows us to make friends and to enjoy life.
Being asked upon the question that where he sees himself after 10 years later, he gives a gentle smile and replied- I want to see my self as a better son, a better father, better husband and moreover better human being than I am now. There is always a chance of better.
He says that music is inside the hearts of people of Singaporean, actually, it is in blood. No matter what, we learn music since childhood. This is why if you notice, we have people from big professions are also a musician. A brain surgeon I know is a famous Music Director there. A doctor may be a guitarist there. Isn’t it great?
According to him, music gives wings to mind and soul to the universe.
Pandit Sunil Kant Saxena, Sitar Player
He is one of the well-known Sitar Player of India. He has been awarded many honors and titles which includes Sur-Mani awarded by Sur-Singer Academy, Mumbai in the year 1988. He has been awarded the Shanti award for peace by the former CM of Delhi, Sheila Dixit in 2019.
It would not be wrong if we call Pandit as a contributor to Indian Music, as he has worked hard for this. Be it Republic Day music recordings or Yoga Day, Pandit Sunil has actively participated in any Musical program. Along with this, he is spreading his art of playing Sitar amongst the tender kids starting from age 7. Even adults are keen to attend his classes and he teaches with his utmost dedication.
According to Pandit Sunil, music has no boundaries and is limitless. I am still learning through my experiences. Despite hundreds of events I have already performed, I still feel nervous, I still make mistakes and I am still looking forward to learning something new every minute.
This sitar player seems a bit worried about the losing interest of Youth from Indian classical music but at the same time happy that young people are at least associated with the music, be it of any kind. “It is important to be closer to the music, if you like Indian its good and if you like to hear rock of jazz or any music, it is good too. Important is to be closer to the music.”
He doesn’t want upcoming musicians to face the struggles he went through, and is happy that now a days parents are coming forward and letting their kids learn Music.
Ein Ein Lee, Keyoard player- She is a keyboard player and a die heart fan of India. She has listened to Indian music and thinks that it is absolutely mind-boggling.
Tan Qing Lun, Flute player- A smart boy with an ability to play flute for hours. He has learned Flute for many years and this was his first trip to Lucknow. Tan is looking forward to making friends and exchanges the vibrant cultures of both countries.
