THE thousands gathered at the Centre of Excellence in Macoya on Saturday fully expected to be blown away by Bollywood playback singer Sonu Nigam, but in the end it was Nigam who was moved by the love he received from his adoring fans.
The popular singer was nearing the end of his four-hour performance when he began taking song requests from the audience. Song titles from old and modern films were thrown at him, but then one fan suggested "Abhi Mujh Mein Kahin" from the film Agneepath.
Nigam, who earlier voiced his appreciation of the level of audience interaction and participation with him during the night, replied: "I think the audience deserves this song."
Almost every audience member sang along with gusto and, following the final note, Nigam received a standing ovation, thunderous applause and cheers.
An obviously emotional Nigam composed himself and said he wanted to give the people not just another song, but a very special gift.
Nigam then brought on his five-year-old son Nevaan and cradled him in his arm as the duo sang the song one more time.
By now even grown men were wiping away tears and screams filled the auditorium long after Nevaan was led offstage.
Traffic snaked along the routes into the Centre of Excellence long before the advertised 8 p.m. start time for the event and once the parking lots, roadsides and side-streets were filled to capacity, patrons paid $30 to park in a nearby field.
The show, which had been moved from an outdoor venue, was sold out and, once inside, many patrons were forced to stand for the entire concert because of limited seating.
Women were dressed in an array of outfits ranging from ornate traditional East Indian wear to micro-mini skirts, six-inch heels and tight, cleavage-revealing tops.
Fans were entertained earlier in the afternoon by Indar Kanhai and Karma's Ravi B.
Throughout the night, fans who gathered in front of the stage to take pictures of Nigam were chased away by members of the police and fire services.
Nigam was backed by his full band of 14 musicians and also gave fans a visual treat via a huge projection screen which served as a backdrop to his performance.
The singer seemed as entranced with his audience as they were with him, commenting one time that: "I'm seeing a wide contrast of people."
He delivered dozens of tunes from his well-known repertoire including the hits "Main Hoon Na", "Main Agar Kahoon", "Salaam-E-Ishq" and "Saathiya." He also gave an energetic rendition of "Kaise Bani" which prompted many to give their best 'wedding dances.'
Every time he sensed that the audience was becoming restless he would whip out another hit that would have them jumping from their seats.
Nigam even begged the protective services to let the people enjoy themselves stage side.
"Security." he said, "I'm telling you. One song. Let them jump."
The protective services were lenient for a bit but eventually drove fans back to their seats.
During one of his songs, a member of the audience gave Nigam a small Trinidad and Tobago flag which he proudly displayed.
The show ended shortly after midnight with Nigam thanking fans and organisers for their support.
Managing director of 90.5 FM, Anthony Maharaj, also thanked fans for bearing with the inconvenience, but called the show one of the best ever.
There were no food stalls at the venue so many fans flocked to fast food outlets and roadside vendors following the show.
Source: By Sateesh Maharaj
Story Created: Jun 3, 2012 at 10:45 PM ECT
Story Updated: Jun 3, 2012 at 10:45 PM ECT
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Tears_and_cheers_for_Sonu_Nigam-156928535.html
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