CULTURAL artists, as investors, have an obligation to spread love and teach others through the arts; these were the sentiments of renowned Indian songstress Indira Naik, who, along with her team, has graced the shores of Guyana, bringing two nights of Indian (Sufi) melodies. The Indian High Commission, along with the Anna Catherina Islamic Complex and the Guyana United Sad’r Islamic Anjuman will be hosting two nights of Indian ‘Sufi’ music concerts at the Theatre Guild, Parade Road, Kingston, and at the Anna Catherina Islamic Complex, WCD today and tomorrow respectively, at 6:30pm.
Speaking on the origin of ‘Sufi’ music, Naik said that the genre comes from a branch of Islam that focused on the love for the beloved or love for the teacher as someone who takes another to a higher understanding of life.
Sufi, she said, is rather a softer part of Islam that has a blend of Indian society. “They believe in the oneness of religion and the oneness of God… [and] there is no single brand of either Hindu or Islam.”
Asked whether she would engage in teachings of the concept of “Sufi”, Indira responded in the negative, but the songstress is all but inapproachable, so curious minds would not be turned away. The humble songstress did however say: “My music should speak more than my talking.”
The first concert will be held tonight at the Theatre Guild, Parade Road, Kingston at 6:30pm. While the Theatre Guild venue presents a challenge of space, a larger gathering would be accommodated at the Anna Catherina complex for the second night, tomorrow at 6:30pm.
Performing with a team of four, Naik who comes from a family of artistes said that the crowd will be serenaded by traditional Indian instruments- tabla and violin. Not to mention the use of the guitar and keyboard for the Bollywood component of the concerts.
Ms. Naik expressed gratitude with all the entities involved in requesting her presence in Guyana.