The Florida Melody Makers International Orchestra was conceptualized in December of 1988, here in South Florida with 9 members on board. They are proud to be the longest surviving band here in these parts in history. (17 years and counting). Since then, the band has gone through several major changes and has now evolved into one of the finest, strongest, powerful as well as talented group of entertainers and musicians here in the South East United States. The band consists of 5 professional and very talented musicians along with three frontline singers.
The FMM has accompanied almost every major artiste that has appeared on the stages of South Florida and certain US as well as Canadian cities. Names such as; the late Sundar Popo, Sonny Man and Kailash Kowlessar. Terry Gajraj, Anand Yankaran, Rakesh Yankaran, Chris Garcia, Ramrajie Prabhoo, Nishan Prabhoo, Crazy, Calypso Rose, Natty, Vidya Babwah, Devanand Ghatoo, Devindra Pooran, Seeta Panday, Soca Raja, Drupatee Ramgoonai, Molly Ramcharan, Sally Edwards, Nadia Madoo, Indar Kanhai, Ruby & nazimool Khan, Boodram Holass, Prematee Bhim, Anil Bhim, Kries Ramkhelawan, Queen Yasmin, Ceilia Samaroo, Khamrune Ali, Brother Marvin, Apache Waria, Saira Ali, Rajmanie Maharaj, Bindu, SocaMan Cliff, Johnny Braff……..just to name a few.
The band is very versatile and is often referred to as the leading crossover band here in the South East. The band’s leader is Neil D Persad, an accomplished musician and a very popular singer. Neil has toured many countries and has 2 albums to his credit thus far. The band has a CD entitled “Tropical Envisions” which was released 2 years ago and has done very well. There is another CD in the works and a religious one is planned for later this year as well.
The FMM has also done and continues to do a lot of charity work for the community as well as most of the religious entities here in the USA. Last year we inaugurated the first professional charity show for the Vishwa Bhavan Temple in Atlanta, GA. The outcome of this successful event led to another stellar performance by the band at the annual mother’s day show in May, once again in Logansville, GA which drew almost 600 fans, partying till the wee hours of the morning. The band’s two lead male singers are Ravi Heraman and Natty, both from Trinidad. Ravi delivers a mean imitation of the voice of Kumar Sanu as well as crossovers into the latest chutney, soca and reggae rhythms.
Natty, was once the lead frontline singer for the big band JMC Triveni. Natty has now joined the ranks of the FMM and is also the lead Male singer along with Ravi. Natty is a very versatile artiste and can cross from Hindi Film Classics into Soca, Reggae, Chutney, Rap and even some R & B.
The band has 2 lead female vocalists. Mala Samaroo and Vidya Babwah Gosine. Mala is also known as the Chutney Queen of South Florida and she has been singing for quite some time with different bands in Trinidad. She is a founding member of the band and is an ardent supporter of West Indian culture here in South Florida. Mala can deliver the unique voice of Shamshaad Begum in her melodies but her specialty is pure, raw, hot and spicy chutney. Lookout for her new CD top be released soon.
Vidya Babwah Gosine, a household name in Trinidad joined the ranks of the FMM about 7 years ago and has built a huge reputation for herself here in South Florida. Vidya is a Mastana Bahar finalist in Trinidad and she has a CD to her credit entitled “Forever Yours”. Vidya’s variety stretches across the voice of Lata Mangeshkar to sweet soca and chutney music.
Shawn Bhajman is the lead guitarist and music arranger for the band. Shawn is a highly accomplished all-round musician with many years of experience playing music for many of the top bands in Trinidad. He is now a full fledged member of the FMM and is helping to take the band to even higher ground. Shawn has a CD to his credit and also takes the time to teach music here within our community.
The band also has access to two top local Tassa groups as well as a host of professional dancers and entertainers for all occasions. The website is also very popular amongst fans worldwide and you can win free T-Shirts and CD’s, Tickets, etc by simply signing up and joining their mailing list. Check out the website today at www.floridamelody.com or you can e-mail them for more information at nicemusic@bellsouth.net .
Their phone number to book the band is (954) 325-7712 and you can speak directly with Neil Persad the Leader/Manager.
Look for great thinks from this band, the Florida Melody Makers International, the number 1 Crossover Band in the South East United States.
