A bold move is being made to bring back the famous East Indian classical singing to the stage after several decades. A special committee which was initiated by veteran classical singer Sonny Matthews has embarked on a series of meetings to have East Indian classical singing back into the fray at government, corporate and East Indian functions. A position paper is being drafted for national consultation aimed at getting this ancient cultural form fully endorsed by citizens. Noted cultural activist, Ajeet Praimsingh, one of the architects of the move, said classical singing had an entrenched space in the cultural milieu of our multicultural society. "It has diminished a bit and we plan to relegate it as a major form in East Indian programming." Matthews said the demise of classical singing was because it was not getting the recognition it deserves. "We must work without any hindrance to ensure that classical singing becomes the premier form of entertainment at all social and religious functions. Classical singing is not restricted to any one ethnic group, it must be embraced by all peoples as this is another way to bring peoples and communities together," he said. "Chutney has emerged ahead of it but we believe that both art forms could work side by side to enrich our concept of cultural diversity and multiculturalism." Classical singing remains an indigenous cultural instrument and can be traced to the arrival of East Indians since 1845, but unfortunately it has endured a painful decline over the years, Praimsingh noted. Praimsingh said it would be heartening "to see classical singing given the accolade as Carnival and calypso as avenues for entertainment as this would be unique to our national citizenship."
About classical singing
Classical singing was the only avenue for relaxation and expression by indentured labourers as they led a new life in the Western world. Praimsingh said classical singing was pioneered by Bel Bagai, Firemta Ali, Jang Bhadoor, Ramcharitar, Samsir, Tulisram, Seebalack, Gaura Dass, K B Singh, Henry Toolum Dindial, Charlie Babwah, Benny Seenath, Sonny Mann, Joseph Narine, Channa Boy, all of whom were noted for singing such songs as dhrupad, teelana, thumree and ghazals. In order to breathe new life into this art form, the committee has plans to establish a workshop for training in singing, drumming and dhantal playing, plus get regular airplay, produce CDs and DVDs, cultural exchanges with Guyana, Suriname, USA, Holland and India and gather bio-datas of all classical singers. "As Trinidad and Tobago observes two major milestones in its existence as a nation state-the 50th anniversary of Independence and the 167th anniversary of East Indian Arrival-it is incumbent that all peoples of our land join in this crusade to reignite classical singing as not only a form of entertainment, but as a medium to motivate one to deep spirituality. There are lessons of unity, harmony, peace, social integration and spirituality in the verses," Praimsingh added.
