Caribbean Hindustani has been collaborating with many Chutney and Chutney-Soca artistes over the years. Many have sung lyrics for songs composed by Caribbean Hindustani on radio and in well-known competitions like the Chutney Soca Monarch. Rasika Dindial is the next top artiste that is in collaboration with us doing a popular number entitled “The Godna Song”.
The Hindustani word “Godna”, in English, means a tattoo. However, it’s not just any tattoo. It is a special type of tattoo that was tattooed on the hands of the women who were Indian indentured laborers and their female descendants, mostly Hindus. These tattoos bore motifs of Lord Rama’s garden and Mother Sita’s Kitchen, two epic figures in the Hindu holy scripture of the Ramayan also brought to the Caribbean by Indian indentured immigrants.
During the ritual of tattooing these motifs, folk songs were sung. Unfortunately, this tradition is now dead as these practices are no longer observed in modern times. We hope that with this collaboration with a vibrant and energetic singer like Rasika Dindial, a Chutney song will be created that will not only rock the dance floors, but teach the world of this dying tradition.
Great initiative
Thank you so much for your reply!