The emcee says Vyasar S. Lawrence is getting younger by the day and that he still sprints up a flight of stairs. And that's how Vyasar ascends the stage. Out of breath, he, however, clarifies: “I had gone to have a cup of tea when my name was called, and I had to run.” A roar of laughter erupts from the thousands gathered at St. George's School for Jollee Abraham's “Musi-Care 2011” (from 6 p.m. on May 13 to 6 a.m. on May 14), a 12-hour annual gospel concert that has completed 10 years.
Vyasar sings “Lesana Kaariyam”, a Tamil song that has brought solace to many troubled hearts. The singers from a wide spectrum of the music industry choose such heart-warming classics.
Ujjayinee Roy — known as the girl who sang “Valayapatti” in the film “Azhagiya Tamizh Magan” — presents Don Moen's “I will Sing I will Pray” with her compelling voice. She ends her performance with “Amazing Grace”.
But the evening does not belong entirely to time-tested Christian songs. New songs riding the crest of innovation are also being presented. Jollee Abraham's daughter Reshma renders “Theninimayilum”, a popular Tamil hymn”, in Carnatic style. The credit for the bold and inspiring composition goes to Jollee's son, Rohith. Jollee teams up with Reshma for “Muzhangalil Nindru Jebithida Aasai”, a song that apes the central idea of “Chinna Chinna Asai” from the film “Roja”.
On a couple of occasions, Jollee appears to be overtaken by nostalgia. First, when he shares the stage with music director M.S. Viswanathan — who introduced him to the Tamil film music industry. Next, while inviting M. K. George — his classmate at Sacred Heart College in Ernakulam and with whom he would sing in those days — to present the Malayalam song, “Pathira Thenale”.
The tenth edition of Musi-Care appears to be an exposition of young talent. A team of finalists from “Sing To The King”, a programme on Jaya Plus TV, lend the back-vocals to Musi-Care singers. Among them, Sharon Poornima and Peter Tamang, who have excelled in this television music contest, take the front-stage and present two songs.
Another raw but promising talent is Joshua Samuel, who strums a guitar and sings “The Rock of Ages”.
This edition of Musi-Care has the usual features — wheel-chairs, sewing machines and other help are offered to the underprivileged, and pastors and film musicians honoured. Quite in character, the people who are determined to stay for the entire concert display great enthusiasm even in the wee hours of the morning. Jollee relates: “When I sang ‘Polama Polama' at 2 a.m., seniors were on their feet, dancing with children!”
