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| Lalchan Rafi Singh |
Lalchan “Rafi” Singh has achieved National and International recognition as the Mohd. Rafi of the Caribbean.
He was born on May 22, 1948 to Girwar and Sumaria at Pasea Village Tunapuna the northern part of Trinidad & Tobago in the West Indies.
He started singing at the age of ten, whilst attending satsangs and religious functions with his father. Narsaloo Ramaya who was the leader of the Naya Zamana Orchestra, heard the sweet and captivating voice of young Lalchand, and without any hesitation invited him to join the Naya Zamana.
He remained a member of the Naya Zamana for approx. 20 years. In 1968 he entered the Mohd. Rafi Singing Competition which was held at the Himalaya Club. He undoubtedly went on to win the first prize with his brilliantly moving performance of “Madhuban Mein Radhika Naache Re.”
Mr. Kamaluddin Mohammed observed that for this competition Lalchan dressed and sang like Mohd. Rafi thereby dubbing him “Rafi.” Consequently he has since been called Lalchand “Rafi” Singh. In 1971 he entered and won the first prize in the Mastana Bahar Competition, with his incredibly melodious and unforgettable rendition of the song “Lapak Jhapak” from the movie “Boot Polish.”
Lalchan has toured extensively throughout Guyana, USA, Canada and India. He was indeed very fortunate to have been able to sing at Prasanthi Nilayam, for Sri Sathya Sai Baba in South India. In 1996 he migrated to the USA where he performs as a freelance singer with many bands. Over the years he has done a number of recordings including a CD in Memory of Mohd. Rafi. Lalchan continues to stand apart from his contemporaries with his consistently brilliant and exciting performances.
His tribute will be on Saturday October 22 at The Centre in Mississauga as part of the Divali Nagar.
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