Jai Jag Janani Bhavani
by Rana Mohip

Local-classical music is a variant stemming from Hindusthani Classical music. Our forefathers who came from India were not classically trained musicians but heard this type of music being performed at the courts by Master musicians etc.. They picked up some of the compositions, but not being trained musicians they could not understand the elements and so created their own interpretation of this.

They still use some of the names like Thumri, Dhrupad, Dhamar etc. which are actually names of styles in India but its performance and structure is quite different. In effect, local-classical music had evolved into its own distinctive art form' with its own rules, vitality, and legitimacy. Local-classical music is typically performed by an ensemble of solo vocalist, who also plays harmonium, accompanied by Dholak and a Dhantal. Local-classical vocalists, or tan-singers, usually performed at weddings, yagnas etc.. This artform can be found in Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Suriname and Holland.

This particular composition "Jai Jag Janani Bhavani" is a Bhajan and is done in the traditional Local Classical style, it is done to promote, educate and teach the public as a trained musician, what can be done to refine and embellish this style. This song was recorded in May 2021at Sargam Studios Trinidad in Celebration of Indian Arrival Day and the musicians were:

Harmonium and Vocals: Rana Mohip

Dholak: Taradath Sawh

Dhantal: Karamchand Mohip

Keyboard: Vijai Ramroop