Keith Warjri on an evening of music and hope organised by NEHU’s Evangelical Union
ON NOVEMBER 15, the Multi Convention Hall of North Eastern Hill University saw a packed hall of music lovers from all over Shillong to the music and storytelling of Benny Prasad. The event, which was hosted by the NEHU Evangelical Union with organisational support of Mane and Ravi Zachariahs International Ministries (RZIM), allowed youngster to hear the musician who made it to the World Records Academy, USA, as the “fastest to travel to 245nations in six years six months 22 days”. An added attraction was also the fact that he has designed a 20-string guitar with a bongo, the first of its kind called Bentar, short for Benny’s bongo-guitar.
Benny began his show mesmerizing the audience with the opening instrumental ‘Lord there is none like you’. His tapping,hammer-ons and pull-offs while simultaneously playing on the bongo, drew enthusiastic applause. Atop his guitar sat a little harp that lent itself decorously to the second tune that Prasad tastefully arranged on the song ‘Tribes’, which he once showcased at the Olympic Games in Greece. Benny then surprised listeners by pulling out a pan flute, a recently added skill to which he regaled listeners to an old Classic ‘How great thou art’.
In between three instrumentals Benny spoke candidly about what he calls his poor start in life, until certain events changed his outlook and purpose in life. From having no perception of a hidden talent, he discovered that practicing for seven hours a day prepared him enough to present his songs to the world. However, he does not organise his own concerts and only works in collaboration with other artists and organisations.
The tone for the evening was set off by the superbly harmonious sounds from the Aroha Choir, the peppynumbers of Mane Worship Band along with a rapturous audience, the upbeat rhythms of jazz pianist Ron Chaliha and cellist Adiel Massar. A delightful on-the-spotcollaboration between Mane drummer Dawadhok CShangpliang (Weet) and the jazz artistes added a bit of spice to an evening that celebrated talents, gifts and hope. Balajied Nongrum from RZIM spoke convincingly about the relevance of Christmas at the event. This left the audience wanting for more.