BAVINA SOOKDEO

IF you’ve ever attended a Hindu wedding, which falls under the category of an "Indian" wedding, you would know of the energy, colour, celebration and festive spirit it exudes.

Artistes Vanessa Ramoutar and Olatunji Yearwood capture that essence perfectly in their new song Iz ah Indian Wedding, racking up over a million views on social media in one day. Also featured in the video are Ramoutar’s husband and Chutney Soca Monarch 2024 Rick Ramoutar, and social media influencers Jonny and Chrissy (Jonathan Joseph and Christine Mahase Joseph).

The two are portrayed in the video as the dulaha (Hindu groom) and dulahin (Hindu bride).

On what inspired the idea for Iz ah Indian Wedding, and how it ties into her personal or cultural experiences, Ramoutar explained since childhood she had looked forward to weddings in her family and village, as they brought together people of different races and cultures.

“'Happiness' and 'celebration' are words I use to describe weddings. From the tassa in

lawah (parching of rice on the maticoor night or the night turmeric is applied on the skin of the bride and groom) to the traditional clothes, food and festivities that surround an Indian wedding, it is amazing.”

Her goal, she explained, was to create a song that everyone can celebrate. It holds special significance this year, as the Chutney Soca Monarch celebrates its 30th anniversary.

“We are also celebrating 30 years of Chutney Soca Monarch and it reflects on a topic which would have been displayed by many title holders throughout the years of chutney soca.”

So, why did she choose Jonny and Chrissy to be featured as the dulaha and dulahin in the video?

Casting themwas a deliberate choice, symbolising unity and acceptance, she said.

“Jonny and Chrissy have inspired hundreds of thousands of social media fans with their life. When I see them, I see a beautiful mix – two different cultures joining as one. Their relationship showcases unity and unconditional love…how we should be living together as a nation.

"After adding Olatunji to my song I knew then that they were the perfect choice of

dulaha and dulahin, the perfect mix of chutney and soca.”

[caption id="attachment_1136978" align="alignnone" width="1024"] From left, Rick Ramoutar, Vanessa Ramoutar, Christine Mahase Joseph and Jonathan Joseph. -[/caption]

Ramoutar chose to collaborate with Olatunji because she believed his dynamic vocals and energy were the perfect fit for the track. She envisioned someone who could portray a blend of cultures, and Olatunji embodied that vision.

“From the moment he was on board, I could see us both on stage for chutney soca and other events delivering a dynamic performance. The video is just a taste of what’s yet to come with Ola and myself.”

She said a good friend of hers contacted Olatunji at around 1 pm on the day she decided she wanted him on the track and he immediately loved it.

“By 8 pm that day, Ola was already putting his vocals on the track.”

Ramoutar and her husband Rick came up with the chorus