It was a gala Saturday evening for participants and audience at the regional finals of ‘Singara Singers’ organised by Hello FM. The city’s denizens got a chance to see and meet their favourite Radio jockeys and listen to the melodious voices of the 10 finalists of the event. The participants reeled out over 20 songs from various music genres that kept the audience glued to their seats. The Kollywood-numbers were interspersed with peppy dance sequences by Tempest dance group and students of Kalasalingam University. RJs from Hello FM took turns to present the event on stage, cracked jokes and kept the atmosphere alive.
“This is the third time the event is happening in Madurai with many more enthusiastic participants this time,” says M. Goparaj, the cluster head of the FM channel. “Over 1,500 people recorded their voice for the contest through mobile audio booths that roamed the city. Some even walked into our office to exhibit their talent. The finalists were selected after several rounds. Musician Jaisingh and Latha Varma, the Principal of Sathguru Sangeetha Samajam Music College judged the performers in the final round.
Balambika, a student of English Literature from Thiagarajar Arts College, says, “I have a liking for folk songs in particular. Singara Singers was a great opportunity for me to exhibit my talent.” Ratnakumar who stunned the audience by singing Merasalayitten from the recent block-buster I, says, “Being in a small town, we don’t get much exposure to such events. This helped me to refine my voice, composure and confidence.”
Of the 10 finalists, comprising five boys and five girls, the judges chose Sankara Narayanan and Sahana for the grand finale to be held in Chennai. “My music journey started from birth as both my parents are music teachers. Music is a way of life for me and I practice every day,” says Sankara Narayanan. Sahana, who has undergone professional training in Carnatic Music for the past six years believes she would make it in the grand finale too. “I want to make Madurai proud by winning the title. It is my dream to get a break in singing and I feel this is going to be my golden chance.” The title-winner at the grand finale of Singara Singers will get a chance to sing for Music Director C. Sathya.
