IN the late ’80s, Simadri Narayan, better known as Simstar, performed more than 360 shows over a one and a half year period.
“No one has done that or equalled that so far,” the Rakiraki native shared.
A contemporary Hindi music artist with a huge following across the country, Simstar rocked the nation with original hits and his versions of renowned Indian film and music director and singer, Bappi Lahiri along with then child-star, Karishma.
Today, he manages a music shop in Rakiraki and reminisces about how the music scene has changed over the years.
“Everything has changed and in many ways, it hasn’t been for the best.
“I came up at a time when Hindi music had a huge following in the country.
“There were artists like Jimmy Subhaydas, Ronald Jai, His Masters Orchestra and so many others constantly performing and doing shows.
“Today, you’ll be lucky to watch a live Hindi band anywhere in the country.
“And that is a shame.”
When he first emerged on the scene, family and friends in Rakiraki laughed at the idea that he would make any impact with his music.
Growing up in Rakiraki in the ’60s, Narayan was destined for a career in business. His family owned property in the rural outpost and he was encouraged from a very early age to pursue commerce.
“It was very difficult in those days because anything to do with music was not encouraged.
“It was frowned upon because music was viewed as a pastime and not to be taken seriously.”
In 1988, a friend heard him singing and urged the then 28-year-old to record some songs on a cassette and to send it to Procera Music Studio in Suva.
“I had a little keyboard which had drum beats and music accompaniment on it, so I used it with my limited knowledge of music to record some Bappi Lahiri and Lata Mangeshkar songs that I really liked and sent it through to Suva.”
A few days later, renowned music producer and engineer Ramesh Hargovind contacted Narayan.
“Even though he was very raw as an artist, I could see the potential that he had and the passion in his voice was what really convinced me to bring him to record in Suva,” Hargovind said.
“As soon as he stood in front of the microphone, I knew we had a star because he had a very natural ability and was very confident as a singer.”
After assuring his family that Procera was very interested in his music, Narayan made his way to Suva.
“I was nervous and excited at the same time because the thought of going into a proper studio and recording was almost too good to be true.”
Unfortunately, Narayan could not entice live musicians to perform on his debut album.
“I was an unknown guy from Rakiraki and the musicians found it hard to believe that I could sing or that I was any good.
“So, I had no choice but to use programmed music.”
Narayan, christened “Simstar” by Hargovind, became an overnight hit with his debut album titled Me Tere Lahiye.
“My first single, Rangeela Baby, was played repeatedly over the radio.
“I remember calling my parents and informing them that my song was on the radio.
“It was an emotional experience because they couldn’t believe my music would be such a big hit.”
At that time, the only music that people listened to in Rakiraki were religious songs known as qawali.
“I remember going to perform at shows and people were singing along to my songs — that is a feeling that I will never forget.”
Although it has been more than 20 years since he last recorded, Narayan still performs at weddings and special functions around Tavua and Rakiraki.
“People are very surprised when they hear me sing because they only know me as Simadri, the businessman.
“And one thing I pride myself in is that I sing because it is my passion. For, me it’s not a money-making exercise. I sing to move people with my music. I sing to make people forget about their worries and to take them back to their childhood or to a special moment in their lives.
“When I look out in the audience and see smiles or tears then I get satisfaction that I have achieved something with the gift that I have been blessed with.”
Narayan recorded a string of albums with Procera and has plans to re-record all his original songs into one album with a live band.
“We need more original and live music in this country.
“What I have noticed is that people don’t really have an appreciation for locally produced music and this is a real shame because a lot of talented people are not being given the support they deserve or being recognised for what they have to offer.
“We need more support from local radio and television stations.
“Without their support — by playing our music over the radio and video clips on TV — our local music industry will not develop and grow into what it should be.
“We need more local talent shows and competitions to identify those who have special gifts and we need a platform for these people to boost their abilities and to take local music, dance and theatre to the world.”
Narayan said there was a growing divide between the older and younger generations that could only be bridged through more focus on the arts.
“The younger generation needs to appreciate the sacrifices and commitment that were made by musicians, dancers and performers from the past and the older generation needs to be recognised for their efforts.
“That is why events like the FPRA Music Awards is a good starting point but we need more events where artists from the past could be brought together to perform a string of shows across the country.
“This way, the youths get to know who these artists are and this could encourage talented young people to come forward and record music or produce shows of their own.”
