Story # 4:   Coins in my Water.  (My Sybala Memory)   By George Nandan                                 


At the tender age of four yrs. One of my cousins got married, a traditional Hindu Wedding Ceremony at the time. As I recall my neighbor Auntie Shama and my mom Auntie Baby, did something different. I had long thick black hair, with fair skin and a sunny composition. They had me sit down cleaned me up and prepped my hair. Kind of what the Hair Dressing Salons do in curling styles these days.

 "True Love requires no compensating factors or set conditions..."

George Nandan

Now I was too playful to pay any attention. I was thinking, big deal they probably wanted to me look more cute anyway. I was already mentally prepared for multiple pinches on my cheeks anyway. But to my surprise a few days later my Uncle Harry Hing came in with a nice shiny costume. Still running around playing with the kids, I had no cares but to enjoy playing with my siblings and my neighborhood full of kids.

Long before Barney, as kids we had almost nothing, no toys, just our imagination. We were too poor anyway. Food on the table comes first. Of course my elder siblings were very creative and made homemade toys but none equal to Toys R Us.

                                              This picture was taken facing West in 1970.

To your right is Lull on the bicycle, Indo, then me "Sunny", then Naro, then its Gope holding Seerie in his left hand. Sorry if the picture is fuzzy. Notice the us five kids had no shoes back in those days. I was six years old. Our home had mud walls and the kitchen had a grass roof. I nearly burned down our house playing with matches but that's another story for another day. I have to keep this artistic not mischievous Well probably a mixture of both.

Anyway getting back to point. My Uncle called me to his side. He asked me if I know what the costume looking thing was for? I said no because I never paid attention anyway. He said he is going to get me married. So I responded by said Uncle I cannot get married I don't have a job and besides I am not big like Dad. He smiled and said that its OK, I want to try this on you. Shocked, I got inquisitive. Now I know my Uncle Harry Hing is the most established Tailor in the whole village, so this must be important.

I started to recognize the costume and the significance gradually. Now I became silent as my Uncle Harry is trying the outfit to see how it fits on me and I suddenly feel its importance. It is once of a lifetime opportunity that only a few little boys can have the honor of. The honor of being a "Sybala". A 'Sybala" is a cherished role played by cute little boys accompanying the "Dulaha" or bridegroom to the bride's residence. Sometimes the "Sybala" can be steal the show and the bride's heart....lol...

In the western world a "Sybala" can be interpreted as a "Minnie Me" version of the Bridegroom. Well all of that is nice and good and everything but wait there's more if you call within the next thirty minutes...nah just kidding.

The time came for us to travel to Interprise/Numprel on the East Coat of Demerara. That's where my cousin Hanoman lived. It was his special request that I be his "Sybala". My mother is a Bachelors Adventure girl so her side of the family are all fair skinned. The girls are beautiful and the Dudes look like models...lol... So I have a good blood line. My cousin Hanuman was very pleased with the preparation my mom arranged on me.

I remember at that particular wedding, it started one week before and two weeks later the music is still going. It was my first real experience of culture, music and an appreciation for the arts. Any typical Hindu wedding in my native country Guyana is an adventure by itself. Many documentaries can be made.

As I was sitting after the ceremony is over, I noticed people started gathering looking at me. Many young girls and aunties came over and starting the usual ...pinching me on the cheeks, ah well no big deal. My eldest sister Chan who is mostly my caretaker along with Mavis Diddy (Hanuman the bridegromm's sister) in my childhood days, left to bring me some food. I was starving. Mavis Diddy is my favorite of all my cousins but that's another story for another day.

 Mavis Diddy came back with my favorite, Dhall and rice with catahar. This time in a puree leaf. The official plate of any Hindu wedding in Guyana. So I started eating and soon afterwards she brought me a cup of water and then she disappeared to mingle with the others.

I do not think she realized what she did by leaving me all alone because the guests had me all for themselves. As I was shoveling down because I was hungry. Just as I was about to reach out for my drink of water a strange thing happened. Some Uncle put a twenty five cents coin in my water.I am like what in the world is wrong with that uncle.  (I got to understand later that he was Uncle Charlie who nearly fought off my Dad thinking he cannot have such a fair skin son)...but that's another story for another day. He must be drunk or happy. I guess he was both.

In Guyana back in the days, everyone older that is older than you, you must treat them with respect. Grown ups are called either uncle or auntie. Older boys are called Buddy then their name and older girls are called Diddy then their name or vice versa. As for me when no one is looking I call the older kids their names.

I was hungry and now I am thirsty. But I cannot drink because some uncle threw a coin in my water. Soon afterwards other gusts followed suit with nickels and dimes and pennies. Not even Mavis Diddy nor my sister is anywhere to be found, so I was agitated. I enjoyed the admiring and staring and even the pinching on my now sore and painful cheeks but don't mess with my food and water Mon! This Canal boy can get upset. The villagers must have sensed how extremely agitated I was, because I could not drink and they kept putting  more and more coins in my water. The only thing that kept me calmed me down was the soothing tunes of Hindi Filmi songs that folks these days named Bollywood.

All of a sudden my cousin Hanuman the Bridegroom came around to check up on me. He came with a special request from his new bride Bhougie Gita. But I told I am thirsty and  these people are making fun of me. He picked me up in his arms and took me to his bride who gave me water and soda with her own hands.I enjoyed both their company until Mavis Diddy came looking for me and took me away.

Looking cute or not, don't mess with a Dude's water Mon! Especially a "Sybala".

Thank you for reading......Please share and/or subscribe....Please encourage a little one today to never give up on his/her dreams.....

To be con't...........


           

Story # 3:  Moved to Tears at the Matya in Canal #2, Guyana!

When I was six years old, my father taught me my fist Hindi devotional song. Sometimes I wish my parents would have pictures of me around that time. I heard many stories that I was a head turner, and could vividly remember specific events as if it was yesterday. This is just one of many I will share with you.

“Life can get in the way of your dreams, just find ways to make  them happen anyway!”

                                                                          George Nandan

Somehow he had this grand idea that I would be singing at the Hindu Mandir (Hindu House of Worship) in no time. That is great and everything but he forgot to tell me that I would be singing one morning,  so I was totally unprepared. When the head of the Ramayan Group announced that I (Patrick son “Sunny” will sing for you (Ram racko Prabhu tuhee mere nath).  I was shocked at first but quickly got over it. The attendees were mostly conservative Hindus from the bottom half of the village. I had an admiration for those type of worshipers. No one had any agenda of impressing their neighbors at that time. It came from their heart.

Now I remember I had a few classmates in attendance, so I thought I could get it over with and gain the admiration of the girls so what do I have to lose? So time came for me to start. Another member was on the dolak, if you have asked me, I would have rather my Dad to be playing the dolak because he knows my style, after all he was the one who taught me the song.  There was also a regular Kirtan Group but I belong to my Dad’s Ramayan Group.  So here we go Ram rackho Prabhu tuhee mere nath….Awo aba mujhe keeja sath….So I thought good chorus done but the Dude said again….then again…then again…then again...I was thinking what’s wrong with this uncle? He's gone crazy…I wanted to move on so bad to the first verse but I was stuck with this Dude on the chorus…

So in my own little world I could not believe what was happening. I could not get past the chorus with him. Dad could not get involved and the Kirtan uncle on the harmonium is saying nothing. So in protest my brains did something I could not believe to this day. I stopped singing and begin to cry…more so in protest that they did not let my dad handle the situation. I could not get past the first two lines of the song.  I could hear the aunties started sighing awwwww. That day I got a few extra pinches on my cheeks, and if you look closely they may still be there.

Unfortunately at the age of six that’s when I started at  Kawall School in Prep A. My celebrity status came to a screeching halt, when one of the boys that were in attendance at the Mandir took it upon himself to spread the word that I was a crybaby. Anyway, he meant well and I lost conatct with him these days. I can only immagine the fun we will have laughing about it.

To make a long story short even at that young age of six, I never stopped singing and although life can get in the way. I am always the simple and silly “Canal Bai.”

Thank you for your support!

To be con't.....

Story # 2: Singing on my five miles walk, Stanley Town to Home.

After leaving and moving on from Kawall Primary School. I enrolled in GTI after my second try. I remember how shocked my friends were when they learned of it and had their doubts. I was fifteen when I started my technical studies plus what I missed out from not being able to attend high school.

"Leading by example is the best form of Leadership"
George Nandan

Folks may not understand that back in those days only those who had the means were able to attend either Patentia or West Demerara high schools. But me no way I wanted better and to make it count. This "Canal Bai" like to love to make it happen against all odds. I had to be different. This took place in 1979. I stayed the course and endure the hassles of the Tata bus and ferry crossings. Even make it home by 11:00 pm at night by walking 5 miles in the dark from Stanley Town to my home, only to get up the next morning to repeat.  This gives me plenty of time to practice singing on my five miles walk.

I graduated in 1982 and in 1983 I left Canal # 2 and immigrated to New York, USA via Toronto Canada.

                                                             George Nandan in 1982

I will always remember the fresh smell of Maple leaves and the refreshing Canadian fall time air. The folks who hosted me introduced me to Hockey on Roller Skates. Soon afterwards it was time for my trip to the US. I arrived in New York and that's another story for another day.

Please note my blog will go back and forth as my memory gets recalled. The main object is realign my artistic journey to write as one of my books which of course would be more professionally written. To help inspire the young ones to develop other avenues of creativity and not be bored. Many a teenager will stay out of trouble and proved the bullies with no talent wrong, if they have something to work on. This is just my opinion.

Thank you for reading.... Please share and/or subscribe...plenty more to come...
Con't...

Story # 1: Humble Beginnings from my Native Village Canal No.2 Polder,Guyana!
Revised # 3- 06/10/14

"Please be advised that these posts are just reflections of my past, present and future aspirations of "My Artistic Journey," and may not accurately present the events in order that they occurred. Updates will be made periodically.Thank you for  supporting local talent"

George Nandan

 

Hi welcome to my Blog. My name is George Nandan. I was originally born in the Dutch designed village of Canal No 2 Polder, West Bank Demerara in Guyana. It is a small country, north end of Brazil bordering the Atlantic Ocean to the North East, Suriname to the North East and of course Venezuela to the West.

 The language on most streets is a "Patwa/broken" form of English (Hinglish) mixture of English/Hindi, but read and write the Queen's English. I live in Florida and want to share my artistic journey with you.

I am by no way shape or form I am a Guyanese born legend. There are many who are mostly unheard of. I had to the pleasure of meeting and performing with quite a few. Perhaps I am still researching if I am the only one from Canal # 2 with over eighteen original poems that I add melodies to; and had music added to make into songs. there are a few singers from Canal # 2 who does vocalizing of Bollywood Film songs that I know.

However, there you may never heard of me or many other singers from Guyana. Permit me to offer this explanation. From 1999 to 2004, I recorded over eighteen originals songs by the then teenager, Avinash Singh (Avi). He is a Superstar in the Chutney Shows these days. But it took him years of trial and error. I know I was with him in those days of struggle. My songs were primarily featured mainly on the "Local Talent Show" with Bhawanie Singh and the "Farouk Juman Radio Program." Both on WPAT AM Stereo 930 NY/NJ/CT. I also helped with the engineering of the Local Talent Show. These two gentlemen , in my opinion are some of the unsung heroes of local talent in New York to this day.

 Long story short, 
"True love comes by giving it first. The rewards are awesome!"
George Nandan

George Nandan 2013

 

Back to my explanation, we did not had any social media. As a former member of the now popular Supertones Band with Avi, we had Flyers and word of mouth. Now Social Media has taken over. In my childhood days, I grew tired of vocalizing Bollywood tunes. I also represented Canal # 2 while attending GTI from 1979/80 to 1983, in all the cultural shows. Funny thing is they could get my birth name  "Nankissure Raghunandan" right so they would just call me "Canal Bai".

Back then there were no FACEBOOK, TWITTER, GOOGLE+, ORKUT, TUMBLR, BLOGGER, MYSPACE, REDDIT, LINKED IN, PINTEREST and of course YOUTUBE plus others.....

I am encouraged to see vocalists, singers and other Indo Caribbean artists using social media to further their exposure of their gifts. There are many avenues and choices for artists to develop. Some may choose to just do vocals on Bollywood songs, some other artists works, others still a mixture of anything goes. One word of caution. Many Indo Caribbean artists that I observe are not rich, if an artist should use another works and get paid its downright wrong. Permission should be obtained from and a some sort of revenue sharing, no matter how small should be arrange and executed. I know it may seem innocent but I had works stolen from me without compensation and it does not reflect professionalism on their part. I will not tolerate any piracy this time around and I monitor my works closely.  I hope Folks get it, it costs time, and money to develop a concept, have music made, record the vocals, copyright, etc. Besides I was told I am not so chutney hence my channel on YouTube.

And now having gotten that out of the way. As a child growing up there were cultural Hindu form of music that I got accustomed to. My dad was also a "Ramayan" singer and 'Dolak/drums" player and singer. This form a of melodious poems in rhythmic musical  accolades in the worship of Lord Rama in Hinduism. Growing up in this environment, I took full advantage of the situation and learn the skills of both my parents. Bollywood Hindi songs played a significant role in my boyhood and teenage years. I have represented my village while attending technical school in Georgetown (GTI) singing Bollywood songs.

Later on as a teenager we somehow became Christians and this brought new opportunities in music.Needless to say I became more familiar with all form of Christian contemporary, Islamic and Bollywood forms of music.

Growing up in Guyana has many advantages in the arts. I got lots of  practice in soca, reggae, steel drum, along with the other genres of music of the rest of the world, especially Techno.

Chutney form of music is the norm for most Indian artists of the Caribbean. Folks who are familiar with me knows I am creative so of course I can do Chutney but will mix in different styles. I was among the first Chutney artists to venture into Techno and other variations in the nineties and 2000's. I took the time to express myself in words of poetry. I still wonder why I wrote most so expressly romantic and downright erotic. I remember the senior ladies of Richmond Hill returning my cassette tapes and cds back to the stores and complaining about one song in particular. That song is "SomeGyal Something Sweeter Than SomeGyal Something". I cannot blame them because I wrote about a girl's personality which the sweeter it is the more a Dude is attracted to her from the inside out instead of the outside in as in the case of physical beauty. Take it from me ladies, if you want to be a keeper be your Dude's best friend and lover.

"Love is patient. Love is never blind, No matter what, Love is true and Love is kind".

George Nandan

All my stories will be updated from time to time...each time I will post on Facebook, so please keep checking..........They will all continue to evolve until its officially published in electronic book form. MY ULTIMATE GOAL IS TO BECOME A HOLLYWOOD SCREENWRITER. I am already in college working on the Professional skills and along with my socioeconomic status of both a Bachelors Degree in Nursing and in Performing Arts simultaneously.

To be con't..... Please share and/or subscribe....Thank you....

The contents of this Blog and all future Blog are the sole intellectual property of owner George Nandan. All Rights reserved according to applicable copyright laws.Library of Congress, USA.