Xsitazz Indian Orchestra
(L to R Front)
Jamie Ramkissoon, Angie Gyan, Nicole Gyan,
(L to R Back) Shael Gyan, Haseeb Majid, David Gyan, Malvin
Ramsawack and Ashmead Baksh.
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The Xsitaaz Indian Orchestra
(zee-tars) which means ‘music beyond time’,
has been making its name in the music industry in
Trinidad and Tobago for the past six years.
This band consisting of a
mother, son and daughter together with renowned
musicians has been able to successfully blend Indian
with Soca and Caribbean music. Xsitaaz has captured
the hearts and stunned audiences’ over and
over reflecting world beats and stirring harmonies
with enchanted love songs, chutney vibrations, classics,
calypso and slamming soca.
The band’s musical training
regime is to settle for no less than the highest
professional standard.
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Xsitaaz has a musical setting
to create a night of dynamic and electrifying musical
fusion. They have been described as “a new
experience, filtering the music quality, sound engineering
and giving the absolute sound”;.
The band’s popularity
in Trinidad and Tobago is equalled to any of the
foreign artists and as a group they have delighted
listeners all over. With their soon to be released
cassettes and CDs’ they will carry their music
beyond time.
Foreign Manager
Mr. Haseeb Majid
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Ashmead
Baksh - Leader,
Arranger, Vocalist
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A
former supervisor of Republic bank now investment
advisor, Ashmead has been involved in indian
music for over 25 years. He is considered
by his peers as a musical genius and is well
admired by all for his role as a disciplined
band leader. He plays rhythm guitar as well
as bass with equal gusto.
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His hobbies
include electronics and programming. In addition
to being the leader of this band, he also
assumes the role of M.C. and musical arranger.
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Angie
Gyan- Manager,
Vocalist, Percussionist
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Angie
is a former high school teacher who holds
a diploma in child psychology. She is also
a very successful television and radio broadcaster.
Started her singing career in 1989, since
then has made many overseas tours in North
America and the Caribbean. She has emerged
as a finalist on numerous occasions at singing
competitions nationwide.
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She has a special love
for romantic slections, but is quite at
ease performing any type of song. Her original
style and presentation has made her quite
a crowd favourite. She is presently a managing
partner in the family’s business. She
is a founding member of the Xsitaaz Orchestra.
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David
Gyan- Vocalist
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A
customs broker by profession, he is
the managing director of his own brokerage
firm. The nephew of the late Sawack
Gyan, who is well known for his contribution
to Indian music during the 60s and
70s. David began his singing career
in the mid 1970s with the Naya Zamaan
Indian Orchestra, under the guidence
of Narsatoo Ramaaya.
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Many times a
semi-finalist on Mastana Bahar, he
enjoys the songs of the late Mukesh
Chand Mathura. More recently he has
developed a liking for the songs of
Udit Narayan. He is wekk known for
his plesant personality and unique
stage presentation.
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Nicole
Gyan
Nicole is a former student of U.W.I., and is fluent in spanish and french. She has had formal training in music since childhood under internationally acclaimed Mungal Patesar. She was the youth prize winner on Mastana Bahar from 1989-91 and at the tender age of fifteen reached the grand final. She has served as a judge on many a distinguished panel. She was perhaps the first female keyboard player in any Indian band in the West Indies. Presently a radio and television presenter, she is also host of the talent show Tarana on TV6. |
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She is the sole keyboard player and primary musical arranger of Xsitaaz Indian Orchestra. She has recently added singing to her many accomplishments and is also the first Indian radio broadcaster to make the switch to non Indian Radio.
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Shael
Gyan- Vocalist
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Shael
is a former student of St. Mary’s
College and a final year accounting
student who started singing only
3 years ago. He has made pheonomal
progress in the Indian music circles
in Trinidad. He is undoubtedly one
of the most brilliant performers
in Trinidad and Toabgo, and versatile
singer whose voice bears a startling
similarity to that of Sonu Nigan.
At 21 years of age he performs with
tremendous ease; love selections,
pop songs, semi classical items
and even soca and chutney with moves
to match.
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In three short
years he has managed to reach the
finals of this years’ Mastana
Bahar Competition and was a hot
favourite to win the first prize.
His academic achievements are also
noteworthy. He is presently employed
as an Account Executive.
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Malvin
Ramsewak - Drummer
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Malvin
has been involved in music
since his early childhood
days when he played dholak
for the village temple group.
He subsequently graduated
into orchestra music and has
developed into an ace drumset
player / drum machine programmer.
He is a dedicated and hard
working individual.
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This
29 year old electronic technician
has quite a positive outlook
on life and expects to go
places musically.
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Photography
by: Haseeb Majid
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