Rai sets high goals
BHAJAN enthusiasts in the country are familiar with the name Balram. He is one of Fiji’s most celebrated bhajanya who dominated the industry for decades.
Fast forward to this era, a new bhajan artist seeks to make his mark in the industry.
He is Avinesh Avishal Rai, 22, from Narere who performs as Junior Balram.
The legendary Balram is Rai’s grandfather.
In fact, Balram played a crucial role in developing Rai’s interest in singing and performing bhajan in public.
The Suva-born lad has spent much of his life in Narere and says his interest in music is deeply rooted in his childhood.
“Both my father and grandfather are artists,” he said.
“In fact, this is the reason I also decided to go in this direction and become an artist.
“My grandfather Balram spent more than 50 years in the music industry, and is still interested in music.
“So, that is where my interest in music is rooted.”
Ever since his school days, and all the years that he spent in school tuned him towards learning the art. And then after school, he started to sing.
Rai has spent about 13 years in the music industry.
And it’s been quite a journey from the time he first sang at the Durga Mandir in his community as a young boy.
“That was the first place I had my show,” Rai says.
“Then I went all the way to New Zealand to do a show there. I have also had bhajan shows all over Fiji — Labasa, the Western side and in Suva.
“The most interesting aspect of singing bhajan is imparting knowledge. We send messages through our bhajan, and it is interesting to share because once people understand your message, it feels good.
“I want to reach even greater heights and I want to keep my grandfather’s name alive because my grandfather is regarded very highly.
“He has kept the standards of bhajan, and I want to keep this name alive. That is why I am in the music industry.”
Rai says his grandfather also taught him how to play the harmonium.
“I feel proud that my family has supported me to pursue my dreams.
“They have never stopped me and they’ve always allowed me to move forward.
“I feel that parents must guide their children and they must not stop young people from going to these events because it is religious. And when they witness such events, they appreciate the art of bhajan.
“This is how I was when I was small. I went to many bhajan performances.”
Rai hopes to record more albums, in addition to the four he has released with Procera Music.
“If you want to become an artist, then you do not need to fear anything. You just need to have the knowledge, know what you want to relay to the audience.
“This is the one thing you need to know when you enter the industry.”
I want to reach even greater heights and I want to keep my grandfather’s name alive because my grandfather is regarded very highly Avinesh Avishal Rai
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