DIL-E-NADAN
The world’s premier Indo-Caribbean/Chutney-Soca Crossover band, Dil-E-Nadan also delivers the most authentic East Indian classical, Bollywood and pop that can be heard outside of India. In the way of soca, calypso, reggae, dancehall, zouk and other genres, there is no other band as proficient and entertaining as they.
Dil-E-Nadan was formed in 1957 by a group of young men, family and friends desirous of keeping alive the culture of their respective parents who came to Trinidad from India as Indentured workers. Among the founding members were Frankie Sooklal and Yusuf Khan who are both now deceased. Ramnarine “Tole Moonilal” took over the band in the early 60’s after there was a “break up”.
Back then the band performed mainly bhajans, classical along with other genres from time to time in accordance to what their fans requested.
Dil-E-Nadan owns an impressive five-decade history, which has brought them to the status of being a national treasure in their home, Trinidad and Tobago. Interestingly Dil-E-Nadan means, “Young at Heart,” which is apt as the band, though 50-years-old, remains innovative, relevant and futuristic, boasting a following incorporating pre-teens, youth, young adults and elders.
At home in Trinidad, Dil-E-Nadan has for the past several years and continues to be the most sought after band by the producers and promoters of the premium events during the Carnival. The band is also the first choice for East Indian oriented shows as well as jazz and other music festivals on the island.
In 1971, Dil-E-Nadan won the award for Best Playing Orchestral Band at the Prime Minister’s Best Village Trophy Competition, a coveted festival of culture in which communities throughout Trinidad and Tobago participated. This competition was judged by the late Great Mohammed Rafi of India.
Moonilal would eventually pass the mantle to his three sons, Raymond, Richard and Rennie who today lead Dil-E-Nadan and are supported by a collective group of first class singers and musicians who help maintain the near perfection of the band’s recordings and live performances.
Lead Vocalist and Superstar of the band, Raymond Ramnarine is considered to be the Biggest Star in the Chutney Soca Industry. Together with promoter Rafi Mohammed, Raymond presents his annual concert titled, “Everybody Loves Raymond,” which has every year attracted a sold-out audience of thousands. Each year there are literally hundreds of persons lined up outside the venue on the day of the concert, hoping that more tickets would be made available. This show features Raymond and the band performing a multitude of genres with guests artistes come from as far as India and Europe.
Raymond sends women swooning wherever he performs around the globe. His crisp, powerful baritone allows for him to easily switch from a heavenly bhajan to a classical East Indian song, then moving into a chutney song, before gearing up into some raw soca and rough dancehall, all with consummate ease.
Early in his career, Raymond entered the National Duet Competition, singing alongside, Swarsatie Maharaj. Not only did they win the competition, but the duo also stole the hearts of the thousands who attended the show and rewarded them with thunderous applause, that at one point seemed that it would not cease. Raymond also competed in the International Chutney Soca Monarch competition, one of the most important events of Trinidad’s Carnival. In 2013, Raymond in the final of the competition performed, “I Ain’t Marriding No More,” in which the audience of over 15,000 people joined him in singing the chorus. He dethroned the previous year’s winner as well as beat a legendary artiste who had won the title multiple times.
Serving as Manager, Musical director, and Producer of Dil-E-Nadan is Raymond’s brother, Richard who is an exceptionally gifted musician also. Richard heads the production team at Bakyard Studios where he is now collaborating with International producers in India, Europe and the U.S. Raymond’s eldest brother Rennie has stepped away from the Entertainment World to take care of his health. As their founding father passed on his talent and the band Dil-E-Nadan to his sons, they are now grooming their own children who have already begun to blaze trails as G3, ensuring that the Dil-E-Nadan brand lives on and remains, Young at Heart.
Raymond and Dil- E- Nadan are currently working with International Producers and Lyricists in India, USA and Europe in an effort to create more Original content and thus Improve our Local Music Industry. “It is our mission to keep creating Original content that can appeal to the International Audience.” Raymond recently released his first Original Bollywood Single “Khone Lage” which was well received here in Trinidad, India, South Africa, London and Holland.
contact us
Raymond Ramnarine & Dil E Nadan
Avenash “Richard” Ramnarine (Management)
Kuchela Entertainment kuchelaentertainment@gmail.com kuchelaentertainment@dilenadantrinidad.com 1.868.798.1576 1.868.334.1395
