Rio Music Bonanza

Coming out of Boys Lane, D’Abadie, the band comprises several good singers and musicians. Singers include Sunita Maharaj, Meera Mahase, Reshma Boodram, while musicians are Kumar Moonian, Hardial Gosine, Riko Alpin Sham Juman and Glen Ford.

Leader Raj Sookdeo who has been a drummer for 20 years is also the band’s PRO. He has been one of the key players with the popular BWIA International Orchestra for many years. He also played with the Melody Makers Orchestra before starting Modern Imij.

Sookdeo said the members came together two years ago and have been performing at weddings and parties all over TT. He noted that orchestra music is very much in demand and many of the bands that were considered small are now coming to the fore.

“We do soca and chutney soca as well as Hindi songs and calypsos. The members have been experimenting with a number of crossover tunes and a little R&B and also pop songs. But the demand has been for soca and chutney soca in Trinidad,” Sookdeo said.

Modern Imij caught the attention of show promoter Simbhoonath Kumar at a wedding reception in Trincity recently. Kumar was impressed by their performance and contracted the band for this show.

Speaking about the show, the promoter said he is happy that Raymond Ramnarine of Dil-E-Nadan has found the time to perform at this event. “Raymond started his music career at the age of nine years. Since then his singing career has spiralled upward and today he is one of the most popular singers in the country,” Kumar said.

Ramnarine will be doing cross over and soca music for this concert and Kumar has asked him to do some of his early songs including “Someday”.

He will share the stage with Adesh Samaroo and Ryan Estrada. DJ Sheriff from the Dynasty Crew will also be at this event. Tickets are priced at $20 and are available at the Triangle. Show time is 7 pm.