Jonita brings eclectic influences to SA

Published Nov 24, 2014

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Rising star Jonita Gandhi (pictured) is set for her performance in Durban during the BollyBoom electronic dance experience at the World Jam Music Festival. She took the time to answer a few questions for Bollyworld…

 

You’re relatively new to international audiences. What has the journey to stardom been like and what have some of the challenges been?

I am still on the journey! So far my journey in the music industry has been a great learning experience. I’ve been fortunate to work with many great artists as well as travel and reach out to audiences around the world. It’s definitely been a challenge to move away from my family in Canada, but I think I am managing just fine.

 

Have you ever been to South Africa before?

No. I’m really excited about performing for South African audiences!

 

Describe your sound and what South African music lovers look forward to from your performance?

I like to blend my Western and Indian influences which have shaped me into the singer I am today. Having been raised in Canada in a family that appreciates Hindi film music, I feel I’m able to mix the two styles uniquely in my performance.

 

Who are your favourite musicians and how have they influenced your sound?

Growing up, I never really listened to music for leisure. What I’d hear would be through friends or what would play on the radio on the way to school. I therefore have not really followed any particular singer or artist. A number of artists have had an influence on my singing, from Christina Aguilera to Lata Mangeshkar. There is something to learn from everyone, so I’m always keen on hearing new Bollywood singers.

 

What’s an interesting quirk about you that always surprises people?

It’s not really a quirk, but something that always surprises people when they meet me is my strong Canadian accent when I speak English. They don’t believe it’s the same person when they hear me sing in Hindi!

 

You probably get asked this a lot but I’m going to ask anyway – any links to Mahatma Gandhi?

No connection :)

 

• Information supplied by The World Jam Music Festival.

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