Page 41 - IB December 2021

Culture Culture

It’s the wish of my heart
That I flow in your rivers, that I wave in your fields (as
harvest)
Just that much is my wish of my heart.”
Like many members of the Pacific diaspora, she longs to
return home.
“Everything from the food to the smell, to the people,
spells home to us,” says Kalyan. “For many of us living away
from our original home, we have missed Fiji dearly these last
couple of years, as we have not been able to travel there.
This song’s lyrics touched on those sentiments, as well as the
thought that Fiji, no matter where we are, or how old we
get, will always be in our hearts. It was an absolute honour
for my husband and I to work on this song and dedicate it to
Fiji.”
“Teri Mitti was certainly our most memorable and success- from different countries (Canada, India & Australia) all play-
ful track to date,” says Kalyan, with the video clocking over ing on the same track, but using the power of videography,
40,000 views on TikTok. it looks like it was recorded in the same room. This kind of
Like many musicians, Kalyan and her musical collaborators collaboration was only possible through the connections made
have been feeling the effect of the pandemic. through this pandemic, and for that I am grateful.”
“Without performing, we have lost the sense of community As borders re-open, Kalyan hopes to be able to perform in
and connection we had, and mental health is at an all-time Auckland, USA, Fiji and Canada.
low. In a positive light, music publishing and the recorded “There are amazing musicians residing there,” says Kalyan.
music sector is receiving more attention now, than ever “And I really look forward to meeting and jamming with
before.” them!”
“Live musicians & artists have been hit really hard with “The past couple of years has been tough on the industry,”
COVID. It’s really sad to see my own musical family struggle says Kalyan. “So do remember to support artists. Whether it
all over the world. Live performances have certainly taken a be sharing their work, buying tickets to their next concert, or
back seat for the moment; however I have tried to find new tuning into their livestreams. I’m so grateful for the audience
ways to bring music to my audience. One aspect has been I have gained, I am humbled by your support and encourage-
truly humbling in this experience, and that is being able to ment.”
collaborate with many artists around the world. In one of my
recent clips (Hum Tumse Na Kuch), we had four musicians editor@islandsbusiness.com

Islands Business, December 2021 41