By Kamran Rehmat

As the saying goes, music knows boundaries, and it’s no different with Bachi Shan Sittamige, who fancies himself as a diehard proponent.
His passion for music is evident in how, for instance, he strives to pull his band members to rehearsals, and then the shows, around Doha despite their daytime occupation.
Just as apparent is his desire to regale audiences in a multicultural setting when performing before his own Sri Lankan community would be par for the course.
Community spoke to him about his passion, inspiration and foray into music as well as the music scene in that Pearl Island called Sri Lanka.

Tell us something about your band…
Bachi & The Clan was formed eight months ago — the result of a cherished dream to be a part of the music scene in Qatar. I have been very fortunate to have the best Sri Lankan musicians — based in Qatar— who have come together to realise the dream.

How did you get into music? Who and what was your inspiration?
To be honest, I don’t hail from a family of musicians; in fact, my brother is a cricket coach! I think it was my destiny that drove me into music, and I certainly have no complaints! The idea was born in 1990 when, as a schoolboy, I attended a concert of my idol Manilal Perera, a mega star, and dreamt of, someday, following into his footsteps. Thus began my chase for a place under the sun. Imagine my good fortune therefore, that I was even able to work with Manilal himself!

What genre of music do you follow?
Well, I cannot say specifically that we are drawn to one single genre; having said that, our strong point is classical and jazz music, with a hint of Hip Hop.

Who is your favourite singer/band?
I’m inspired by Michael Jackson and Hot Chocolate.

Culturally, how would you describe the music scene in Sri Lanka?
Music is an essential part of our culture; right from our birth to death, our lives are intertwined with music. Currently, with the infusion of Western and subcontinent music, Sri Lanka has evolved as one of the foremost music industries in South East Asia.

How has been your experience performing in Doha? Which is your specific audience?
Our main audience remains the Asian expatriate community from the sub-continent. However, it is always a treat to perform before a multicultural audience, whose appreciation means a lot to us.

What are the numbers that your audiences most prefer?
Mostly, the requests are for classical and film songs, but I cannot pinpoint any one genre as predominant since there are varied requests that we get during a concert.

What challenges do you face taking your music ambition forward?
Bachi & The Clan is a bunch of music-crazy individuals, who are talented, yes, but immensely dedicated. All of them have day jobs in different professional disciplines. So it is always a challenge to round up every one for a rehearsal, and hit the road. Running a band is also an expensive proposition.
What anecdote can you relate that still resonates with you?
Ever since taking a liking for Eminem, I had this burning desire to watch him at a concert. Finally, an opportunity presented itself in Cape Town, South Africa, and I immediately bought a ticket. On the day of the concert, I went to the venue bubbling with excitement, but when I entered the venue, I could only get past the entrance since more than thirty thousand fans were there already. I enjoyed the entire concert without being able to see even where Eminem was!

What is your philosophy of music and dance? How does it impact us?
Music and dance are not only forms of art; rather, these are like a global language — a perfect blend of rhythm, drama, and human feelings — if you will. I might sound rhetorical saying this, but there are no boundaries here. And yet, music is understood by all without necessarily knowing the language in which it is presented. I strongly feel that music can really bring out the human in each one of us. In a nutshell, the world can be a better place allowing for the forms of art you mentioned.

How can music play a role in promoting inter-community harmony?
As I said earlier, music does not have a language barrier; it’s a cross cultural bridge that can connect every human being. Even in our concerts, we play Hindi, English and songs in other languages, too. We do not have to know the lyrics to enjoy a song; rhythm and the beat is what matters.

What appeals to you more — performing before your own community or in a multicultural setting?
Without a doubt, performing in a multicultural setting.

What is the best compliment you have ever received as a performer?
I have had my share of accolades but I felt special when in 2011, the-then Sri Lankan ambassador to Doha, who was present at one of my concerts, walked up to me and said, “You’re not only a very talented musician but also a good leader.”
* Bachi & The Clan will perform at Sri Night show on October 3.

1. Destiny’s child: Bachi says destiny drove him into music.



THE CLAN

Tuan Rawlins Assan
Professional bass guitarist-cum-vocalist. Born and brought up in the town of Wattala, a large suburb of the capital Colombo, he started his career in 1980. He has been a part of several leading bands in Sri Lanka and was last playing with an Indian band in Qatar.
Iqbal Assan
Rhythm guitarist-cum-vocalist. He grew up in the serene hill station of Kandy. He has also featured in leading Sri Lankan bands.
Shanmuganathan Sudagaran
Keyboard player-cum-vocalist. He grew up in Gampola, Kandy district. His claim to fame is his prowess in the Ratawiru Talent show organised by Suwarna Wahini TV channel back home.
Rumesh Ryan Nissanka
Drummer. He grew up in the town of Wattala. He has only recently joined Bachi & The Clan and is keen to continue his music career with it.
Charith Ranasinghe
Professional keyboard player-cum-vocalist. He hails from the town of Ja-Ela, a suburb of Colombo. He also has been a regular fixture with leading bands in Sri Lanka.
Tiron Ismet
Main Western vocalist and compere. He is the third member of the band to come from Wattala. A professional singer, he has featured in two bands before joining Back & The Clan.
Nuwan Sampath
Main Vocalist. He hails from Moratuwa and sings late Clarence Wijewardena’s songs. Wijewardena pioneered the use of electric guitar in Sinhala music. Sampath is also a discovery of the Ratawiru Talent Show.