Crowdfunding closes on March 4, 2018
Venkat Raman
Auckland, February 22, 2018
An Auckland based singer is raising funds to meet expenses related to her lessons in traditional Carnatic Music in India.
Priya Sami, a young woman of Irish and Indo-Fijian accent is a lyricist and performer as ‘Trip Pony’ and ‘The Sami Sisters,’ is travelling to New Delhi in April to learn singing techniques of traditional Carnatic Music at the ‘Global Academy of Arts, Language and Culture.’ On her return, she plans to publish a musical album.
Opportunity to reconnect
Priya said that this would be her first visit to India and a unique opportunity to reconnect to her roots through music and learn more about her ancestry.
“I have been singing and writing songs for the past 15 years, and so, it makes sense for me to take this journey through music,” she said.
Although Priya does not understand Hindi, she is keen to experience the Indian culture and is confident of connecting to people through music.
“My aim is to bring the music of my ancestral homeland back to New Zealand and to create a concept album that encompasses this richness of culture and identity. I hope to inspire everyone including young New Zealanders of Indian descent to search and discover their whakapapa and their place of origin,” she said.
Pledge Me Platform
The cost of her travel, musical lessons and other expenses is estimated at $4500 and she has thus far collected $1200 through her friends.
She has started a crowdfunding campaign on the ‘Pledge Me’ platform to help her raise the funds but has just over a week left. The last date is March 2, 2018.
“I hope this trip will inspire other young New Zealanders of Indian descent to reconnect with their culture and heritage. I am asking people to help support this journey and be a part of bringing Carnatic Music to the New Zealand audience,” she said.
You can donate to Priya Sami’s fundraiser at https://www.pledgeme.co.nz/projects/5555-help-me-trace-my-roots-through-song.
Donations close at 6 pm on Sunday, March 4, 2018.
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Photo Caption:
- Priya Sami in Concert
- Priya Sami at an Indian event
(Pictures supplied)
