Mediacorp is holding a virtual tribute concert on Vesak day, today, to support migrant workers in Singapore and lift up their spirits in this COVID-19 pandemic period during which they have been hit particularly hard.
Mediacorp Vasantham LIVE! in association with events management company De Ideaz has produced 90-minute tribute concert - Arpanam which translates to 'Offering'.
The special concert aims to give thanks to Singapore’s migrant workers as well as each and every one who is playing their part by staying home during this crisis.
Arpanam will be telecast live on Mediacorp Vasantham at 7pm tonight, simulcast for free on meWATCH and will cross over to radio channel Oli 96.8FM during the commercial breaks.
It will showcase performances by playback singers from India, homegrown local talents from Vasantham as well as Radio Oli artists and will be hosted by Karthikeyan, Udaya Soundari, Jaynesh, Ravi G, Haleema, Vimala Velu, and Sajini.
“To our dear migrant brothers, You’ve helped build the nation as it is today, so in times of your need and comfort, it’s now our turn to help u build a safe and happy environment and I hope this show entertains you and puts a smile on ur face,” says Udaya’s message to the workers.
Singapore’s popular artists Mohammed Raffee, Vishnu Balaji, Kaushik, Suriamurthi, Mohan, Vickneshwaran, Shanti, PavithraNair, V Star Guna, Prasanna, Vishnu Balaji, Kaushik and Suriamurthi will also be up on the stage tonight.
Homegrown artists from Singapore include Suthasini, who will be presenting a Ennadi Mayavi - Nee Paartha Paarvai mashup.
There is always light at the end of the tunnel and we should try our best to cheer ourselves and others as a community during these tough times. “I am very proud to be part of this effort to reach out and show support to those who have tougher times. Hope everyone in Singapore also does their part to lift each other up”, says Suthasini.
Vijay Anand, another home grown talent will be presenting the song Maasi Maasam from the movie DharmaDurai.
“These are difficult times for everyone. Singaporeans have not forgotten their (the migrant workers) contributions to our country. We sincerely thank them”, says Vijay.
YaarAnthaStar (YAS) 2020 finalists Meenakshy, Sneha, Sathya and Durgashini are presenting Darling Dambakku, a song suitable to all four, which they narrowed down from a long list of options.
The YAS finalists hope the fun, appealing and entertaining song will get the audience at home grooving! Sneha says that music heals the mind "and that is not a myth”, says she from her experience.
“These are testing times for us as a nation. Singapore stands so strong, because of our migrant workers who helped build the foundation. We hope that this small offering that we have prepared will bring some happiness to you, and will make you forget your worries. Thank you for serving the nation: now it’s our duty to serve you in every small way possible”, says YAS winner Meenakshy.
“To the migrant workers who continue to support our nation ever so courageously, I want to thank you so much for your tremendous efforts and I pray that everyone is safe and strong during this time period. And to those workers who are affected by this virus, I wish you a speedy recovery and brave comeback soon. This tough time will also pass”, says Sneha in her lovely message to the workers.
From India the artists who are joining in are playback singer Karthik and Andrea Jeremiah.
Karthik has sung in multiple languages including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Odia, Bengali and Hindi and has performed several times in Singapore, the last being during Singapore Malayalee Association’s Onam Nite in the last quarter of 2019.
Indian actress, playback singer and musician Andrea Jeremiah has predominantly been seen in the Tamil and Malayalam film industries.
This concert by Vasantham is truly a part of the new normal during the COVID times with artists recording audio and video at homes and in different spaces, within a tight schedule and several challenges.
The one thing artists Connected to India spoke to say in common is that it is infused “ full of love”.
This too shall pass but until we emerge healthier and stronger, the artists hope to send out an offering of positivity, kindness and gratitude through this ‘Arpanam’.
