The Evolution of Local Indian Music in Guyana: A Tribute to Mohan Nandu

The recent passing of Mohan Nandu on February 8, 1924, a renowned Guyanese Indian singer, signifies a pivotal moment in the history of local Indian music. Born on March 9, 1936, his contribution was deeply rooted in the musical traditions brought by Indian indentured laborers to Guyana from 1838 to 1917. These immigrants, hailing from various regions of India, carried with them a vibrant tapestry of cultural practices, including their distinct musical forms.

The First Era of Indian Music in Guyana

The indentured laborers' music served as a solace from their arduous lives and included a variety of genres such as work songs, life-cycle songs, seasonal songs, and religious hymns. These songs were predominantly based on folk traditions, which were later complemented by 'taan singing', a local form of classical music. Significantly, Mohan Nandu's father was among the popular Taan singers, and this style remained prominent through to the 1940s. This period also saw the emergence of the biraha tradition, noted for its clever and satirical narratives.

Transformation with Cinema and Radio

By the late 1930s, the introduction of Indian cinema influenced a shift in musical tastes towards playback singing. By the 1950s, Mohan Nandu and contemporaries like Gobin Ram became prominent figures, symbolizing a second era of local Indian music. New households sprung up with radios that broadcasted sponsored programs featuring Indian film tunes. Despite these programs being relegated to early morning slots, this period marked a significant chapter in Guyanese Indian music.

The Indian Musical Renaissance

The burgeoning of musical bands blending Western and Indian instruments gave rise to an Indian musical renaissance from the late 1950s to 1969. Singers like Mohan Nandu became household names, and music competitions at fairs turned them into celebrities. However, political interference in the 1960s led to a decline in these cultural showcases.

Chutney Music and the Legacy of Mohan Nandu

In the 1980s, a new genre known as Chutney music, with roots in the folk-song era, rose to prominence, overtaking the popularity of film music by the 1990s. While some practitioners still reside in NYC, the death of Mohan Nandu also marks a significant transition in this rich cultural tapestry of local Indian music.

music, culture, history