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THE 'MYSTICAL TRAVELLER' OF THE WEST
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By: Khushwant Ahluwalia
Sikhpoint Senior Staff Writer
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Some call him the 'Mystical Traveller', others think he is the 'Sikh Pied
Piper' because Sikh youths worldwide sway to his catchy melodies.Malaysian
born Dya Singh is no messiah, yet crowds throng to his 'spiritual concerts'
in the West where he sings Sikh religious and spiritual hymns in a
non-conformist, sometimes controversial way, blending traditional with
contemporary trends.
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"Gurbani shabads (Sikh hymns) are not to be kept confined to the
Gurdawaras", says Dya Singh while speaking exclusively to TNN from
Australia. "The message of the Gurus has to spread beyond the realms of
Sikhs. You know, we Sikhs have kept Sikhism, the best kept secret of
this planet by keeping it to ourselves. I think that is a sin. Moreover, with the
neo Sikh generation shying away from the gurdwaras, getting Gurbani
mainstream is the only way to keep Sikh tradition, music and religion
alive", adds Dya. "What I have done is, taken the seriousness out of the
traditional music. I've just made it more universally pallatable"..
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Born to a family of Sikh minstrels, Dya Singh who now lives in Adelaide in
Australia has been termed as 'the greatest living exponent of Sikh
traditional music by 'Trad & Now' an Australian music magazine. Dya Singh
goes round the globe, with his troupe, singing Sikh music mixed with diverse
influences from the world in an attempt to make it universal. He uses
English translations to get non-Sikh audiences to experience 'gurbani'.
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Normally accompanying Dya vocally, are at least one of his three daughters
Harsel, Parvyn and Jamel. Dheeraj Shrestha on tabla, is originally from
Nepal.Other group members are Keith Perston, who is also group manager, on
bouzouki, bohdran and santoor, and Andrew Clermont on violin, mandolin and didgeridoo.
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Dya Singh performed his first concert in 1992 after which he established the
'Dya Singh World Music Group'. The group has released 14 albums that include
'Dya Singh-along', 'Mystical Traveller',
'Nitnam' and 'Australian Sikh Rhythm and Soul'. Being recorded currently is
'Asa di Var' (Sikh morning
prayer). Sadly, his music is yet to be available in India.
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'Of course there are individuals who are uncomfortable with Sikh music being
treated this way. They feel gurbani kirtan must only be done in gurdwaras
and in a certain style of music. Music is a vehicle, the message of gurbani
is paramount. The message is important, not the vehicle that carries it,"
Dya told TNN on being questioned about opposition from traditionalist Sikhs.
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Of some highlights so far, Dya Singh singled out performing at the opening
of the first permanent Sikh exhibition at the Smithsonian Institute in
Washington DC and the Royal Albert Hall in London last year, where
Guest-of-Honour was Prince Charles.
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Asked when he is performing in India, Dya candidly replied, "when some
promoter or philanthropist decides we are worthy of India!"
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Dya Singh CD’s available for sale now at www.ethnicisland.com
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(Source: The Times of India)
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