Singer Sid Sriram gives youth a booster shot of culture
Sid Sriram, the India-born, America-raised playback singer, music producer and songwriter, has reignited the flame that keeps alive South Indian culture in South Africa.
This is the considered view of Sagie Naidoo of Woodmark Events SA, promoter of Sriram’s once-off concert that had the capacity crowd at the Durban ICC Arena last Saturday lose their minds amidst the beauty of his voice, the magic of the musicians and the gripping laser beams and graphics show on stage.
“Sid came, he moved and mesmerised his fans with his new-age Indie pop blended with a foundation of Carnatic Indian classical training,” said Naidoo.
“From the time he landed at King Shaka International Airport last Wednesday until the lights went off at the start of the show on Saturday, he spent hours and hours rehearsing with his band of international-ranking musicians.
“The final delivery was a concert featuring all his fans’ favourite numbers that got the young and old singing along with him. So captured were those who chose to dance in front of the stage that they were energetically on their feet for all two-and-half hours.
“Many in the audience told me they will not think twice about attending if another show was staged tomorrow,” he said.
The warm and enthusiastic response to the show has convinced Woodmark Events to continue signing up big-name stars to foster a love and appreciation for South Indian languages and culture.
“The Sid Sriram concert is only the beginning of our foray into live shows. It has given us the impetus and confidence to keep the momentum going and create lifetime showbiz memories. The concert has certainly helped boost interest in culture among the youth.
“We wish to thank all those who attended as well as our sponsors and service providers. It is hoped that more businesspeople and benefactors will open their wallets to keep Tamil and Telugu language and culture flourishing in this part of the globe,” said Reagan Moodley, co-director of Woodmark Events.
Before leaving Durban on Monday, Sriram visited two temples where he rendered religious songs spontaneously.
In a parting Instagram message, he said: “Durban, you were a dream. Our first time in South Africa was so deeply beautiful.
“Though I grew up away from the country of my mother tongue, I was blessed with music as a powerful mechanism to stay connected to my cultural roots.
“I could feel that same energy in all of my interactions in Durban. As we performed on Saturday night, I could feel a sense of pride radiating through the whole area, with thousands singing together.
“It was abundantly and beautifully clear that the show was not only a celebration of love but also a celebration and affirmation of identity and cultural roots.”
Meanwhile social media has been abuzz with praise for the show.
Chrissie Pillay said: “Our sincere thanks to Woodmark Events for allowing us to share memorable moments with Sid Sriram.”
Maureen Govender said: “For a long time there has been hunger for South Indian music concerts in South Africa. Sid Sriram was the perfect choice of artist to revive the pride of the South Indian community. The concert was nothing short of spectacular. Sid is a phenomenal singer and performer, losing himself in his love for his art. His humility and kindness shone through while performing.”
Durban’s former deputy mayor Logie Naidoo said: “The atmosphere in the concert hall was nothing short of amazing. There was a beautiful energy that was felt in our midst.”
Pathma Pillay said: “I thoroughly enjoyed the concert. It was definitely a show to be remembered for a lifetime.”
Julie Pillay said: “Having Sid here in Durban and hearing him live was a dream come true. Woodmark Events, you have out done yourselves.”
