Proudly South African musician and Phoenix resident Kemlall Chanlall will be jetting off to India to perform at the 2023 Lokrang Festival.
The 56-year-old from Redfern is a professional singer, song writer, music composer, director, producer and is now an ambassador of the Bhojpuri music and language industry in India. Chanlall said he grew up with a love of this style of music and slowly gained a passion for it which he displayed on a public platform, garnering some attention.
“When we moved to Phoenix, I later joined a band called the Eastern Touch in 1983. I completed and released my very first recording called Bhojpuri Hits, Volume One in 1988. Due to the styling and content of the music, this album was a great success and to this day is recognised,” said Chanlall.
This success led to him being noticed by a renowned Bhojpuri content creator in Netherlands, who in-turn introduced him to the President of the Lokrang Committee based in Kushinagar India. This was the first time in a 161 years, that an artist, singer, entertainer from South Africa was personally invited to perform on this worldwide platform.
“I was invited to perform at the Lokrang Festival which is a Bhojpuri Folk Festival. This is celebrated by Bhojpuri musicians and singers from around the world who gather and perform together on one platform. I was overwhelmed and highly honoured to receive this invite. This was a self-funded project because the Lokrang Festival in a non-profit organisation in India,” said Chanlall.
Being the only representative of SA in this festival, Chanlall has been invited once again to perform at the 2023 Lokrang Festival which is taking place on the 15 and 16 of April in Kushinagar India. This is a self-funded project, however, it will not be possible for him to attend due to the lack of funds.
The musician is requesting assistance to raise funds for him to travel to India for the festival.
“Should I not attend this event, it will lessen the chances of future performances and recognition from South African artists. I humbly seek the assistance of our fellow music-lovers, families and community sponsors to make this project possible and a success. We are seeking a total amount of R20 000 which includes return airfares and overnight accommodation. All internal flights and hospitality is funded by the organising committee,” said Chanlall.
To make a donation toward the trip, contact Chanlall on 078 297 9275.
