|
Suva, Fiji: Twenty-five years ago, a young and charming 30 year old lad from India came to Fiji on an extensive concert tour. The supreme success of his concert tour was heralded with a headline in the country's national newspaper – “He came, He sang, He Conquered”. His name was Anup Jalota, now known as the "Sangeet Samrat" or Emperor of Music and the world-record holder of the most number of Silver, Gold, Platinum and Multi-Platinum discs. That was 1984.
Cut to 2009, twenty-five years later, it seems history has repeated itself. Another 30-year old toured Fiji on an extensive tour of the temples of Fiji singing the glory of God. He is Sumeet Tappoo, the senior and favourite disciple of Sri Anup Jalota. The Fiji-born and Mumbai-based singer came, sang, and just as his Guru had done 25 years ago, he conquered!
Sumeet Tappoo and his team of musicians were in Fiji and over a period of ten days, performed in temples around the country. Some venues proved to be too small for the rising star, whose popularity is slowly growing on a global scale. Temples were packed to the brim with lovers of music, god and spirituality, and were treated to a supreme evening of music and taken to great heights of devotion that is rarely seen in today's fast-paced world. For some, their view was restricted as they had to settle for a place outside the temple and in some cases, across the road. Some found innovative view points by climbing into balconies of houses with views of the stage. Some were lucky enough to be inside the places of worship with unblocked view to the stage.
The concert was an experience that was elevating for the soul and difficult to express in words or in writing. Each of the concerts began with a welcome by Sumeet and an explanation about the importance of "Bhajans" and its role and significance in our lives and the world. This was followed by the recitation of "Ish Vandana", a collection of prayers to God from various spiritual texts such as the Bhagavad Gita, Vedas and Puranas.
But what followed the recitation of the prayer was probably the most heartening. Sumeet sang the glory of God and did not just confine it to Hinduism, but sang the glory of Allah, Guru Nanak & Jesus. And yes, the crowds sang the glory of all religions with their hearts and souls, inside a temple. A true example of the concept of ‘Unity of Religions’.
What followed the prayer was song after song packed with devotion, the teachings of God, teaching of Human Values as well as fun and drama. Each moment was enraptured by the engrossed eyes of the listeners and each note sung by Sumeet became a stepping stone in a journey to within one's heart and soul.
Popular film numbers such as "Shyam Teri Bansi", "O Paalanhare" and "Itni Shakti Hume Dena Data" were loudly chorused by the audience. Bhajans such as "Kabhi Kabhi Bhagavan Ko Bhi" were met with tears as Tappoo explained the story of the meeting of Lord Rama and the boatman ‘Kewat’ who helped him cross the holy Ganges River. The climax of the song didn't leave a dry eye in the audience as the singer sang ‘Kewat's’ plea of not accepting a material gift in return of the river crossing, but rather the boon of being taken across the 'Ocean of Samsara' by Lord Rama Himself.
Words of the great Saints such as Kabir, Tulsi and Rahim were also in the offering in a song "Maati Kahe Kumhar Se". The beauty of the song was perhaps enhanced multi-fold as Tappoo explained the meaning of each Doha or Couplet which brought joy to the listeners as it contained profound teachings of spirituality and Human Values.
Bhajans of his guru Anup Jalota, "Tere Man Mein Ram", "Rang De Chunariya", and “Aisi Lagi Lagan" were delivered beautifully as well we as some of Sumeet's own compositions which were flawlessly sung and gave satisfaction to critics that Sumeet isn't just a singer but rather a music composer in his own right.
Sumeet also sang a song dedicated to the Spiritual Master and Avatar of the age 'Sathya Sai Baba'. The introduction to Sai Baba and a brief summary of His teachings reduced some to tears and others to an elevated level of jubilation and excitement.
Whatever Sumeet gave, the audience accepted with thunderous applause and heart-filled participation. Some Bhajans had such energy, one would get the feeling of being in a pop or rock concert. Some commented by saying the concert was “rocking”.
It wasn't just a concert where the singer just sang and left. It was a performance which was masterminded for the audience. Sumeet packed it with humor and drama. He made them laugh, then cry, then close their eyes in periods of pure devotion, and then in admiration of true music.
Accompanying Sumeet were his musicians from Bollywood who were supreme in their skills. Ojas Adhiya, young 21-year old, on Tabla, was mesmerising the audience. A 'Jugalbandi' between Sumeet & Ojas was a sight to see. Whatever Sumeet sang in the way of "sargam", Indian musical notes, Ojas played on Tabla. A difficult art to master both in terms of singing and playing.
The renowned Bollywood flutist, Milind Sheorey, gave music lovers a treat with his Flute pieces and Piush Pawar's 100-stringed instrument, Santoor, was a majestic accompaniment to Sumeet. Ankit Narotam on Guitar and Ravi Madhavan on Naal completed the musicians set.
It was heartening to see that Tappoo also gave opportunities to talented local singers, Vikesh Chauhan, Remal Tappoo & Shiva Karan, who accompanied him on stage providing backup chorus. In an interview on Fiji national television, he backed up this gesture by saying that he was ready to guide and give a platform to local artists who had a desire to further their skills in music.
As the concert reached the ending point, it seemed as if the pace had increased, the clapping became thunderous. Then Sumeet sang a song "Radha Raman". This slow-paced song felt as if one had attained Nirvana, a state of supreme bliss.
When the final song was introduced, some in the audience gave a disappointed look at their watches not realising that 2 and half hours had gone by.
A brilliant performance indeed.
|
