Tamil legend Valla Kisten dies
VALLA Kisten, the doyen of South African Tamil music, has died.
The singer, who entertained crowds for more than 55 years, passed away in hospital on Sunday morning,
Kisten’s son, Ashley, said his father died days after their mother, Vhanabaikuim, 68, passed away.
He said his dad picked up a chest infection a fortnight ago and was admitted to hospital. On the day he was discharged, his mom was admitted to hospital after she apparently picked up Covid-19 when she went for dialysis. After three days she was doing better and video-called the family from her hospital bed.
Ashley said she was then moved out of the Covid ward. But two days later, her oxygen levels and vitals dropped and she was put on a ventilator.
“We were called to the hospital and it was just a matter of minutes and then she was gone.”
He said his father was devastated. “He didn’t eat. He was just lying down. He was not himself. My parents couldn’t live without each other. My father wasn’t the same after her death. I feel he didn’t have the will to live.”
Ashley said his parents were married for 52 years and after his mother’s funeral, Kisten was taken to the hospital because his blood pressure was fluctuating.
“After they admitted him, they stabilised his pressure and then he shut his eyes and didn’t open it again. He didn’t open his eyes even though his vitals were good and he was responding to treatment. He didn’t move until he passed away."
Since his death, messages of support have poured in from across the country and India, as Kisten had performed at hundreds of concerts in his lifetime.
Ashley, who was also the manager of the family’s band, Luxmi Stars, which was formed by his dad in 1986, said he was trying to be strong for everyone.
“It doesn’t make a lot of sense to me but God has his own plans.”
In August 2017, Kisten celebrated his 70th birthday with a concert and the release of a CD of golden oldies and new songs, titled Netru Indru Naalai, at Sibaya Theatre.
Luxmi Stars was well known for their performances at weddings, concerts, birthdays and nalengus (pre-wedding ritual).
Ashley said in 2021 his dad’s health deteriorated and he retired from live performances. However, he remained a mentor to many even when he was no longer on stage.
During his 50 years on stage, Kisten taught many artists and inspired them to form their own bands.
Ashley said his parents were originally from Mount Edgecombe Valley. His mom taught them family values, showered them with love, and made sure they were well fed.
His father came from a musical family and even included some of his mom’s brothers in the band.
Ashley said his siblings, Malin and Mary Pillay, were also entertainers. Another sibling, Naveen, died of cancer three years ago.
Kisten’s funeral service will take place at the Shree Mariammen Temple in Mount Edgecombe on Wednesday.
Several artists and many of the Kisten family’s students will perform at the ceremony in his honour.
The family would then have a combined 15-day prayer for their parents.