You might have heard his voice when he released his 2013 parang song Countryside Christmas. That was Ravi Jagroop’s first official recording. His second takes on a different tone—it is his first Hindi song, called Jai Devi Maa.
The 26-year-old’s song was released just a few days ago on local radio. With its popular, modern melody which aims to attract both young and old, Jai Devi Maa expresses love and praises to the divine mother by making offerings through song. It also asks the mother for protection and gives her thanks.
The song was recorded at Wizz Studio, located in Chickland Village, Upper Carapichaima. The dholak was played by Akash Daniel while the tassa was played by Dylan Manohar. Jagroop hopes to release more devotional songs with the release of his new album.
So what inspired Jagroop to write this song during Nav Raatri 2014? He explained, “Devi was my connection to God from birth and I see her as an approachable, gentle and compassionate mother and a fierce warrior when it is necessary. She provides moksha or liberation to her children. Devi Maa has been there for me throughout my life. I owe everything to her.”
While he was stuck in traffic on the Creek one evening on his way to a Devi yag (devotional session), the Classical Indian singer decided to write Jai Devi Maa. Although he had no formal training in Hindi, Jagroop taught himself to read and write the language. This, along with his daily interactions with the language through song, has helped his comprehension and vocabulary. He got Ramlal (Raj) Samaroo to proofread his song. Then he began singing it with pure devotion.
While this is his first Hindi song, Jagroop is no stranger to the genre. His parents recall him singing as soon as he could speak, having listened to the radio programme Geetanjali and old Indian Classical singers. From the age of six he started going to the temple with his parents where he listened to verses of the Ramayan and other Hindu scriptures. These events, he said, helped to shape him.
Regarding Jai Devi Maa, the versatile singer said, “It was only this year that I decided to record the song and share it with others. It is my way of sharing and showing my devotion to the divine mother.”
He is grateful for the support of, “God, parents, family, friends and supporters.”
Jagroop is the grandson of Vidoor (Gangadhar Jagroop), a blind Indian Classical Singer and drummer. Ravi Jagroop has represented T&T in several other countries. He has also won himself several titles including NCIC’s Coca Cola Teen Talent three times in a row. In 1999, he was a semi-finalist on Children of Mastana, and in 2006 a finalist in the Mastana Bahar competition. In 2010, Jagroop took second place in the Mastana Bahar grand finals.