On Holi day, the musical talent of the Shakti Strings Orchestra Band is expected to get the massive crowd hyperactive at the ‘National Colour Fest’ at the Providence Stadium.
In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, manager Celia Samaroo Roopchan said the band will be out in full swing, as they always have, to join in the Phagwah celebrations and to bring together the entire nation through music.
Shakti Strings Orchestra Band was started in 1987 by local artiste Bappi Roopchan, who is very experienced in the music industry and has taken his music to many other countries. It is one of the most popular live bands in Guyana, with artistes such as Aamir Khan, Prince JP and Pooran Seeraj (singers), Avinash Roopchan (keyboard and drum machine), leader Bappi Roopchan (bass guitar), Donald Morgan (rhythm guitar), David Astwood (drums), Claude Hoyt (soca singer) and manager Celia Samaroo Roopchan.
The band rests on a solid musical foundation, with artistes possessing a wealth of music experience locally and internationally.
Founder of the band, Bappi Roopchan, has more than 40 years of experience in music; his wife, Celia, has clocked more than 35 years singing with various local and international bands. Both have received accolades for their contributions to the local music industry.
Bappi (standing extreme left) and his son Avinash (standing second from left) with artistes from the band
Celia received a Medal of Service from the government of Guyana for her support and musical expertise, and Bappi has received numerous certificates of appreciation for his contributions.
Speaking with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, Bappi said that he started his music career singing with his father, who was a wellknown artiste in Guyana. Bappi has played and was instrumental in the development of many bands here. The prolific artiste took part in Carifesta 72 and received much praise for his performance. He brings to the band his wealth of experience in music.
“I had also the support of other artiste, and from family and friends, and this motivated me to start the Shakti Strings. ‘Shakti’ means divine power, and I found it appropriate to name our band,” he revealed.
The crossover band entered the Mashramani Band competition in 1988 for the first time and earned first place. They also won first prize in various categories in the same competition. The band also performed at Carifesta 2008, again receiving rave reviews for their musical accompaniment.
Shakti Strings Orchestra has come a long way in lending support for song recordings of local artistes, especially in chutney music.
The music studio is based at the Roopchan’s home in Campbellville and is now operated by the owner’s 18-year-old son Avinash Roopchan. He has brought to the band his knowledge of modern technology, which has been instrumental in the band’s efficacy in producing crystal clear sounds.
“We are very proud of him. He has really invested his energies in improving the family band. We see him taking this band a long way in helping local artistes, like we did, and to promote local music,” the proud father said.
The studio is opened to promote local talent especially in the chutney genre. They had done recordings for most of the artistes who took part in the national chutney competition held in Trinidad. The band has mastered its musical accompaniment in all music genres, and their loyal fans have enjoyed that varied background since the band’s inception.
“We have revived local music and performance in Guyana. We have supported chutney artistes such as Fiona Singh and Terry Gajraj in their music. The band has always had the best singers and instruments, and this has made us one of the most sought out bands locally and regionally. Rajesh Dubraj and Mahendra Ramkellawan have all started with our band and done recordings with us,” band leader Bappi disclosed.
The Roopchan family is now focused on bringing out new talent and giving opportunities to young artistes with their music. They are also encouraging older ones, who want to record their music but never had the opportunity, to meet with them.
“Our determination has motivated us to keep on going despite challenges. We are thankful for the increase in local cultural events because not only has it helped us but it has brought out new talents. However, what we need is more exposure of local talent. Years ago the then Radio Demerara had a programme where every week they featured local artistes, and this really helped in the promotion of local talents. We need to do more of such programmes,” Bappi urged.
The band has a lot of events lined up and is busy in its preparations.
The mission of the Shakti Strings Orchestra band is to always try to play a pivotal role in seeking out new local talent and help them promote their music. (Taken from Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)
