Shy boy transformed through playing music
MUSIC brings benefits and musician Ranjith Bundhoo can bear testament to this.
As a young boy, he was shy and kept to himself, but once he started learning to play a musical instrument, he came out of his shell.
At age 13 he formed the band Eastern Shades with five other boys from the neighbourhood of Sea Cow Lake in Durban.
“While growing up, I was extremely shy, but once I got an instrument in my hand everything changed,” said Bundhoo, who plays the keyboard, drums and guitar.
The 53-year-old, who works as a driver, was inspired by his musician father, Ramlagan.
“My dad was a tabla player, so I was always surrounded by music while growing up,” he said.
“When I turned 8, I started playing the keyboard and slowly progressed to the drums and guitar.”
He did not receive formal training.
As his confidence grew, Bundhoo started singing.
“Over the years I have realised that music has many benefits for me. It helped me grow and become a new person.”
Speaking about his heyday with the band, Bundhoo said they were named after the album Shades of East by Gauteng band The Tiles.
“It was the early 70s and being in a band was a phenomenal experience. We used to dress in orange shirts and black pants and perform at birthday parties, weddings and corporate functions.
“We hired a garage in Hippo Road and practised twice a week and sometimes at weekends.” The father of two said one of his highlights was receiving an award from show promoter D Mothie for his vocal talent.
“The band’s focus was eastern music and we drew inspiration from artists like the late Mohammed Rafi, an Indian playback singer, and local artist Rajen Sunnydev.”
Although they had a good run, the band split in the 90s.
Bundhoo attributed his success to the support of his wife, Mandy, and their children.
If you were part of a band or a solo artist in your heyday, e-mail your details to post@inl. co.za for a possible profile.