By Kenesha Fraser
Even though he was immensely interested in music from a tender age, Ravi Deoshankar Mohan only really felt a true connection to the harmonies of sound in 1988. That was a bittersweet year for him after losing his father whom he described as a religious, principled and disciplined man. But he also found joy playing the dholak and harmonium at a mandir where his friend took him.
Reminiscing on those days, Ravi D (stage name) said he still remembers the long days of training he endured to learn to be an immaculate player of ancient instruments.
It was after he returned to Guyana in 1994 from India where he had gone on a scholarship to study Hindi, that the man who had by then spent most of his life in Lusignan, East Coast Demerara, got his big music break. He recalled that while in India, he also undertook computer training and earned a Diploma in Computer Programming, while also doing voice training musical classes.
“During my 13½ years of service with GTM [Guyana and Trinidad Mutual Insurance Company], I passed through the Fabulous Originals Band on a low level then did little stints on dholak [hand drums] for Tennessee’s Eclipse Band and El Sadiek Band [Sugar Cake] meddling and mixing with artistes and musicians still trying to gain experience singing around and getting rid of stage fright,” he said.
“My break as a singer came when I entered the Chutney Soca Monarch Competition in 2004, organized by the late John Alli and I managed to capture 3rd runner-up. My placement could have been better but with the thousands in attendance and the level of the competition in terms of participants and professionalism, I mixed up my lyrics for the songs. I couldn’t hide that because the judges each had a copy,” he recalled.
“That competition had participants such as Adrian Dutchin, Young Bill Rogers also the Sugar Cake Girls, who were on top but eventually Rajesh Dubraj won. The first runner-up was Fiona Singh, second runner-up Haresh Singh, then me. Every year after that, artistes would call and some would find out if I was in the National Competition because they knew I would put up a great challenge.
“My first song was ‘Saiya Ke Saath Maraiya Mein (Never Trust a Gyal in This Time Today)’ as a reply to Kamla’s ‘Never Trust a Man in this World Today.’ It was recorded by Dax New Generation band and created storms in all parties and weddings even on the air waves.”
Today, after trying his hand at jobs like private lessons, teacher at the Lusignan Commu-nity High and Bladen Hall Multilateral schools, carpentry, masonry, joinery, painting, bus conducting, DJ and driving a taxi, 
Ravi D has settled at being a singer, musician and band leader, in addition he is a television host, manager at North American Fire Insurance Company (Nafico), video editor and MC.
With his deep love for Hindi and Indian music, Ravi D’s music career took him to a higher level when he was given the opportunity to entertain crowds across the country with the Shakti Strings Orchestra. He was privileged to share the stage with international artistes including Ravi B, K I and JMC 3veni Band, something which many local singers long for.
It was 8 years ago, when he was asked to handle operations for GTM at its Anna Regina branch that Ravi D arrived in Essequibo. Today one would believe his ‘navel string’ as they say is buried here.
“During my first year in Region Two, I realized that the populace was starved for entertainment and it practically shuts down after 6 pm and is very quiet which is not what I was accustomed to,” he said. Deciding to spice things up, he organized the first chutney show on the Essequibo Coast – ‘The Radica Girl’.
Coordinated by Celia Samaroo, manager of Shakti Strings Orchestra, the show at Anna Regina was exceptionally well attended and supported and that did tons to boost the confidence of Ravi D.
With smoke, bubbles and lights, Pooran Seeraj (reigning Chutney Monarch) and Ravi D opened the show and fans later told them that the $500 admission fee was worth the first five songs.
Ravi D decided to spread his wings and went out of his comfort zone just a little bit to become the host of the ‘Good Morning Essequibo Show’ on RCA TV Channel 8.
“My Good Morning Essequibo shows proves to be a good wake up call for the residents of Region Two in entertaining the viewers with interviews, music, videos, quizzes, thoughts, features and more,” he said. “Because of my Monday to Friday morning shows which require me to create commercials meet sponsors and coordinate the shows, it became difficult for me to travel regularly to Georgetown to perform with Shakti Strings Orchestra… Sometimes I still perform from time to time as the need arises with that band. Living and dwelling in Essequibo, I started to collaborate and organize shows especially for Fire Fest Productions, having artistes from all over the world coming to Essequibo creating entertainment for the local people at a reasonable cost.”
Growing up without a father, was tough and while his mother worked as a seamstress to provide for her two sons, Ravi D had to do house chores before going to school and when he got home in the afternoons.
His hard work paid off when he was awarded a place at President’s College. He was persistent and was successful and he is now working to ensure his three daughters, Kelly Manisha Mohan who is almost 19, Ashley Ayesha Mohan, 11, and Brittany Amisha Mohan, 5, have an easier life than he did.
The Sangeet Rhythms Band, created by Ravi D, is well received by many on the Essequibo Coast and even out of the region. The band performs live music for parties and weddings, at Fire Fest Chutney shows, Diwali and Phagwah Melas, Mashramani celebrations, Masquerade competitions and at the Lake Mainstay Resort. The band has also created a stir with songs such as “Janaa” a collaborative effort with Fojo, “I Have no Money I Have no Friend,” and “Sawariya Re.” Tonight, at the National Chutney Competition the band will be performing its latest tune “Free Again.”
Ravi D has also written quite a number of other songs that will soon be recorded and those that were recorded will be released in the near future.
“Creating commercials for my TV shows is also a major aspect of work for me. In that line, I’ve created several music videos for others artistes including myself. I am always willing to lend a hand in promoting local music and entertainment in general. I’m also attached to the Nafico/Nalico Branch at Anna Regina as the manager.”
Wondering who is his greatest inspiration? His mom. Ravi D said she was always perfect in his life and she continues to be.
“My music has been a way for me to sing about reality and facts of life and while it may not necessary to reflect about my life, stories are still being told about me,” he said.
At present, he’s working on several projects with other local and international artistes. “My wish is that local businesses would value the various art forms especially from the local community and that the government can justify that with laws to protect the talents of hard working artistes so that their gifts can be used as a means to generate income,” he said.
