Chutney music has its own flavour
Rajive Mohan, a sound engineer and music composer and the leader of the band, Dilkash, reflects on some of the biggest bands making strides in SA
CHUTNEY music stems from traditional Indian classical music (Hindustani) but it has its own flavour from South African music styles, similar to the way kwaito and traditional Zulu music evolved.
Chutney music started to become popular in the country during the early 20th century. It emerged as a form of cultural expression for the Indian community and became popular through many community events such as weddings and religious celebrations.
At first chutney music was mainly performed as accompaniment to dance dramas. Thereafter, it gained popularity and started to stand out on its own.
When cassette tapes became available in the 1980s the popularity of chutney music started to soar. The lyrics are mainly in Hindi or Bhojpuri, which are easily understood by the wider South African community.
In recent years, chutney music has started to incorporate other genres such as reggae and hip hop. This has helped chutney music to remain relevant in South Africa’s diverse musical landscape.
One of the most popular bands to promote chutney music is Jai Saraswathie Sungeeth. The band was formed in 2000 by Vikesh Moonilall. He started his career in music from a young age when he began singing for audiences throughout South Africa.
His first recording was done in 1998 and he has released 16 albums to date.
In 2007, both Moonilall and the band were nominated for the South African Traditional Music Awards (Satmas) with Moonilall winning.
In 2008, the band performed live for the Satma awards, which were aired on national television. Subsequently, the band has performed for many major events and is one of the leading bands of that genre of music in South Africa.
The band is supported by Moonilall’s wife Shoba and their two children, Shivanka and Shivash, who are versatile musicians playing multiple instruments such as the keyboard, dholak, nagara and dhol. Some of their highlights include performing on an MSC cruise ship last year. They have become popular over the years and have now gained a substantial online following.
Chutney music is ever-evolving, and these young musicians will ensure that this genre of music stays alive. It also has the potential for unity, with the band experimenting on the traditional chutney style of music fused with kwaito and traditional Zulu music.
Today, chutney music remains a popular genre in South Africa with artists continually innovating and pushing boundaries, while staying true to its cultural roots. It continues to be celebrated and enjoyed not only by the Indian community but by music lovers of all backgrounds across the country.