Family of musicians keeps dad’s legacy alive
Nilan was about 10 years old when he looked up to his dad on stage and said to himself: “that’s what I want to do.”
Music has been in the veins of this family for years.
Starting as far back as the 1960s, Rishi Bhagwandeen has performed at many different events and functions to this day.
As he grew older, married and started a family, he made sure that he passed on that musical knowledge to his children, but that did not need much effort as his children were inspired by their father, and aimed to follow in his footsteps.
“Dad taught me everything I know about music,” recalls son Nilan Bhagwandeen.
Nilan was about 10 years old when he looked up to his dad on stage and said to himself: “that’s what I want to do.”
From there Nilan, along with his cousins, were always musically inclined and learnt how to play different instruments, from percussion to string, honing in on the talents that their father has bestowed upon them.
The band of cousins officially came together in 2005 as Avantika Acoustics – which stems from the word ‘Sangeet’, the Hindi word for music. Avantika Acoustics has a vast repertoire and they play at events all over the country; from government functions in Cape Town to weddings in Durban.
The family is divided between Newcastle and Dundee but they make time to practise and improve on their musical abilities. Their hard work and dedication bares testament to the group’s success.
They were recognised this weekend at the annual Artes Awards, held at Sibiya Casino in Durban.
This event is a showcased of high-calibre music acts from bands and artists from all over the country. Nilan will be both performing and receiving an award at the showcase.
Upon Rishi Bagwandeen’s passing in 2014, the family has carried on making music and continuing his legacy, and plan to do so for generations to come.
“This is just the start of many things to come, and we will one day have that international recognition.”
The next generation of Avantika Acoustics’ band members are now getting a taste of the spotlight, as Nilan says that his nephews want to perform on stage.
“Music brings us all together.”
The strong familial ties to music spanning generation definitely tug on the heartstrings.
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