Vernon wins big at SATMA awards
This son of the soil started his career in music at the tender age of 11.
VERNON Govender made the South Coast proud when he won the ‘Best Indian Album’ at the 12th annual SATMA awards held at the Mmabatho Convention Centre, Mahikeng last Saturday.
When its comes to traditional Indian music, Vernon Govender is no stranger to the community of the South Coast and his hard work from his school days has paid off.
YOU MIGHT ALSO BE INTERESTED IN : Amanda Eve Mseleku wins big at Ugu Awards
For many years this South Coast musician has been promoting and uplifting the Hindu culture and music and his passion to share his talent bears fruit as he shares his wisdom with the youth.
Earlier last month he was nominated for the SATMA (South African Traditional Music Achievers) award. The event acknowledges and celebrates artists in the traditional music section in South Africa.
From a young age Vernon noticed he had talent and continued to show his love for music. He now has a very successful music school, where he mentors his students to sing and teaches them how to play traditional musical instruments.
He also heads the Prema Jyothi Seva Sangam which is a dedicated, voluntary-based group of individuals who get involved with community projects.
He is overjoyed at winning this prestigious award. “I’m over the moon and that’s all thanks to the Almighty. I pay tribute and homage to Mother Saraswathie, the goddess of music, knowledge, wisdom and education, for her guidance,” he said.
To receive such a prestigious award, the biggest music award in the country, is by far his biggest accolade and accomplishment in his musical and cultural career to date.
“A huge thank you to all my supporters, family, friends and the South Coast community for believing in me and having faith and supporting my visions and dreams,” he said.
His music CD, Bhakthi Sangeedam, produced by Tansen Nepaul at the SABC studio, was the winner for the best Indian album at the awards.
In this album he was supported by South Africa’s finest Hindu musicians, Tansel Nepaul on harmonium, Sivanathan Pillay on thabla, Leo Manikum on the violin and Kumaran Raman on the flute.
“I would also like to acknowledge my music guru, mentor and inspiration, Mahenthri Pillay, who inspired me with devotional music from the tender age of 11 years. I am proud to be associated with her, as she was last year’s winner of the SATMA award for the Best Indian Album,” he said.
Now that he has won this prestigious award he plans to develop more young musicians at his music school. Pupils from the Sa Re Ga Ma Music School have recorded their first album, which was done by Luxmi Stars band in Durban just three weeks ago. This CD will be launched early next year.
With lots going on in Vernon’s life, he looks to further his musical career in India and promises to promote and uplift his culture on the South Coast.
YOU MIGHT ALSO BE INTERESTED IN : Youth Awards encourage young people to make the most of their opportunities
The awards ceremony will be broadcast on SABC soon. He was also interviewed on Lotus fm’s news break by Salma Patel after his award.
Other awards
Vernon also took part in the TMS Idols competition this year where he was placed among the top 10 in KwaZulu-Natal. He also received his MEC award for Best Frontline Service Employee of the year from MEC for Health Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo. He was the runner-up in the Arts and Culture category in the Mayoral Community Awards in 2015.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
For news straight to your phone, add us on BBM 58F3D7A7 or WhatsApp 082 421 6033
