IAC to host evening of music…
– Mohammed Rafi, Mukesh Chand Mathur and Kishore Kumar
THE Indian Arrival Committee (IAC), in collaboration with the Indian Cultural Centre, will be hosting an evening of music, “Tribute to the Legends” in remembrance of three great sons of Indian music, Mohammed Rafi, Mukesh Chand Mathur and Kishore Kumar.

These legends are revered as pioneers in the Indian Film Industry in the area of background music, the IAC noted in a statement.

Their achievements are numerous in the Indian music industry with Mohammed Rafi receiving India’s highest award for music, the Padmashri. He also won six Filmfare Awards for best Playback singer. Mukesh won four of these awards while Kishore, who was also an actor, won eight.

The Indian Music Industry changed dramatically following the deaths of these memorable singers. Mukesh passed away on August 27, 1976, Rafi on July 31, 1980 and Kishore on October 13, 1987.

The IAC, in a statement, noted these legends sang various genres of Indian music, including classical, semi-classical, Ghazal, Pop and Bhajan. They also teamed up Lata Mangeshkar, considered a treasure of India, and her sister, Asha Bhosle for numerous memorable duets.

Following their deaths, many local singing competitions were held countrywide in their memory. Winners include, Peter Dass, Mohan Nandu and the late Gobin Ram, Walter Persaud and Shri Prakash Gossai.

The “Tribute to the Legends” will be held on Sunday, August 16, 2009 at 17:00 hrs on the lawns of the Indian Cultural Centre.

A number of local artistes will render their talent as they pay homage to these stalwarts.