It’s a family band that’s grown and evolved
THEY might have started out as a bhajan group but their inspiration came from their parents.
“My father, Vinodh Ramkissoon, and Ashok Ramchunder started the chutney band Geeth Mala in the 1980s. In 1990 they decided that the band members’ children needed to get involved in music and they formed the bhajan group Geeth Mala 2,” said Avish Ramkissoon, who is part of the band, which was later renamed Geeth Milan.
He said they had started out playing at bhajan services and this helped take away any stage fright they might have had.
“My father and Ashok taught us how to play our instruments and the other band members mentored us. Soon we started to flourish in our music and skills.”
The band started to grow and in 1996 the name was changed to Geeth Milan.
“We started out small and played at weddings and birthday parties but soon our popularity grew and we were booked out every week.
“With the help of Ashok, we manage to secure slots in shows and at the fairs.”
Ramkissoon said they played across KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
“As times change, the music changes as well, so currently we focus on and perform Bollywood songs, and once in a while we touch on chutney music and bhangra.”
Ramkissoon is joined by Praneel Soonder on vocals and dolka, Vitesh Surujbally on octapad, Bond Kusseal on lead guitar, Collin Kablal on bass guitar, and Suren Hurichund and Charmaine Deol on vocals.
Ramkissoon said their aim now was to promote Eastern music.
“I am training my son to one day take over my band. This is the only way we are going to keep our music alive.
“We need our children to get involved so that bands don’t die off.”
Do you have a story to tell about those who made their mark in the past in music, dance or drama?
POST would love
to hear from you. Please e-mail post@inl. co.za