MAHESH NAROTAM IN COLLABORATION WITH THE NELSON MANDELA METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY

Mahesh Narotam in collaboration with the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University will host an evening of music with Steve Newman and Saradindu Adhikary to launch his CD, Sacred Moments.

Sacred Moments evolved out of a sequence of events that led to the recording of the album. It was an amalgamation of joy and sadness and the encumbent highs and lows of life that gave birth to the compositions. The album was recorded in the Music Room of Mahesh in July 2014 and was mixed and edited in Pretoria by record producer Ashish Joshi. Mahesh states he was was blessed to have world renowned guitarist Steve Newman backing him on a few tracks on the album. Mahesh points out that the tracks are laid back "world music" compositions with a smattering of light classical and even a vocal attempt. It would appeal to any music lover who has a wide taste of music. The instruments used are bansuri (Indian bamboo flute ) tabla, percussion and of course guitar.  Sacred Moments, Narotam’s first album, was released in November 2014 - he had the pleasure of having the legendary and internationally acclaimed guitarist Steve Newman backing him on some of his tracks. The album is a selection of Narotam’s own compositions. " Each track is unique and shines like a gem with its own sparkle and colour " was quoted by Manesh Maharaj - a respected Kathak dancer from Durban.  Steve Newman, Chetan Narotam and Mahesh Narotam were invited to perform for the NMMU Vice Chancellor’s Concert in November 2014 at the Boardwalk Conference Centre.

 In April 2015 Narotam was invited to be part of a music quartet to accompany a Bharatnatyam Arangetram which is an Indian classical dance graduation at the Goldfields Auditorium of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.  Narotam was hosted by the Music Department at Rhodes University also in April 2015 where he performed in an Indian Classical concert together with a tabla player from India. The concert was well received by an appreciative audience. Narotam has tried to instill strong cultural values in his children, and both his daughters are Bharata Natyam ( Indian Classical dance ) graduates -the older one being a performing artist in her own right. His son is also an accomplished musician and normally accompanies him on tabla for music programmes.  Mahesh and Steve Newman have plans of doing a national launch and tour of the album this year.

Steve Newman - acoustic guitarist, is a member of Tananas, the Aquarian Quartet, All in One, In the Clouds, Jika Nelanga, Steve Newman Trio, the Road Warriors & soloist. Tananas has played concerts & festivals in Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, Spain, Canary Islands, Sweden, France, UK, USA, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia & SA. The Road Warriors (Steve & Tony Cox) have played SA, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, UK & SA. In the Clouds - Seychelles, SA. Jika Nelanga - Swaziland, SA. Steve has also played India, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium. Steve's music is world influenced so expect soundscapes flavoured with herbs & spices from Africa to Asia; Cape to Cuba, Canary Islands to Caribbean; Europe to Mid-East.

Tabla Player, Saradindu Adhikary is currently the Founder and teacher at ‘NINAAD’ a School of Art in South Africa. He worked as a percussionist 2002-2008 in TALTANTRA (A WORLD MUSIC PROJECT) organized and conducted by TANMOY BOSE (world renown  percussionist and tabla player). He taught tabla and vocals 1999-2009 at Gandharva Music College this is affiliated to Nikhil Bharat Sangeet Samity Calcutta and worked as a teacher in tabla and vocal for 10 years under the pioneer institution for Indian classical music SHRUTINANDAN (Kolkata) established and conducted by Pundit AJOY CHAKRABORTY. He has worked as a singer & percussionist with   Indian classical based Fusion music project NAAD BRAHAMA featuring musicians throughout the globe and worked in South Africa as a  vice principle in affiliation to Chandigarh Music University India.  He has also been an accompanist in workshop under management of West Bengal Govt. conducted by USTAD AMZAD ALI KHAN in the year 2000.

Members of the public who would like to purchase the CD can contact Mahesh on 082 556 9847.