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Neil Persad, known for his imitation of the great
Indian singer Mukesh, will be performing at the Mother's Day
Spectacular Concert.
By Wayne Bowman
Singer Neil Persad was born in Debe
and is part of a family steeped in cultural tradition. His parents
encouraged him to be involved in music and a host of multicultural
activities.
Persad began his music career playing at temples and bhajan
groups from the age of eight years old. Actually, the harmonium he
played was bigger than him.
At the age of 16, Persad migrated to Toronto, Canada to pursue
studies in computer programming.
While at college, he began playing and singing professionally
with the musician Karamchand Maharaj. Persad then formed his first
band, Sangeet Canada, which was the country's first crossover
West-Indian band.
Persad also began accompanying top entertainers when they
performed in Canada. These included Parry Gosine, Prahalaad
Sooknanan, Bul Bul Ganguly (India), Naqi Bilgrami (India), Taruna
Devi and Bansraj Ramkissoon.
Legendary musician Ustaad Bansraj Ramkissoon recognised Persad's
potential and began training him in Indian classical singing and
tabla.
He went on to accompany Ramkissoon on many performances
throughout North America.
In 1988, Persad moved to Florida and by the following year formed
the Melody Makers.
In 1991, he produced his first recorded collection, entitled Gems
Of Mukesh Volume 1.
After 13 years, the Melody Makers is one of the popular East
Indian bands in North America, having accompanied India's top
artistes when they are on tour.
The band released its first CD collection last February and
another is in the works.
When not performing, Persad works at a major technology provider
in Fort Lauderdale as a senior network engineer.
On stage,
however, Persad is known for his imitations of the great Indian
singer Mukesh.
Persad will perform at the 2002 Mother's Day Spectacular Concert,
Centre of Excellence, Macoya on May 11.
Also performing will be Indar Kanhai, Shiv Shakti Dancers,
Trishul and more. | 
