By Cherisse Moe, HER Magazine
Arianna Thackurdeen probably has her cousin Vinod to thank for her blossoming singing career. At the age of three he introduced her to the world of music by teaching her how to play Mary Had a Little Lamb on the keyboard. When she started pre-school, she sang at the school’s chapel on Wednesdays and fell in love with it. She was six years old when she told her parents – and anybody else who’d listen – that one day she’d be a professional singer. Now 18, Thackurdeen has kept that promise.
A full-time student at the University of Central Florida, she juggles her studies with her music gigs – centred mostly in and around Florida, where she was born and raised. She has a passion for bhajans – devotional songs typically sung in the Hindu tradition – and Bollywood love songs.
The daughter of a Trinidadian mother and Guyanese father, Thackurdeen’s passion for those genres is greatly influenced by her Hindu faith and is a testament to her deep connection to her East Indian roots. In 2021 she released “Main Ek Nanha Sa”, her first official bhajan cover, originally sung by the late Indian playback singer, Lata Mangeshkar, for the 1963 movie Harishchandra Taramati.
“The bhajan means a child of god worshipping the lord and giving thanks for everything she has been able to accomplish. And I wanted to give thanks to Bhagwan for allowing me to pursue my goals and have a talent I could share with others,” she told Her.
Three weeks ago, Thackurdeen – who also plays the harmonium – released another cover track, “Dam Dam Dam Damaru Bajaye”, the video for which has been well received by fans across social media platforms.
“To see that people are enjoying my music and the way I’m trying to promote the culture, makes me feel really grateful for all of my supporters. Divali is one of my favourite times of year because it’s a chance to showcase what Hinduism is really about: unity, culture, worship, dedication and so much more.”
Q: HM: How does it feel to be living your music dream right now?
A: AT: Being a part of the music industry has been insightful and eventful. I have met so many talented individuals that I have looked up to since my early childhood years. I have been able to grow as an artiste and an individual by listening and taking advice from peers in the industry. I have performed in New York, all over Florida, St Maarten, Cancun and Trinidad! My performances include different genres – Bollywood, chutney, reggae and even soca. For this Divali season I have a few shows in Florida where I will be gracing everyone with my passion for singing bhajans.
HM: Thanks to your parents you’ve pretty much grown up with Caribbean values and traditions. How is this reflected in who you are and in what you do?
AT: Having both Trini and Guyanese roots has led me to be who I am today. I was exposed to everything from Carnival to attending temple. It has influenced my music by being open to what both countries favour to listen to. My culture has allowed me to have something special that most of the kids I go to school with do not have. I am able to share my culture and what I do with others and have them amazed by how different cultures are.
HM: You’ve mostly done Bollywood love songs and bhajan covers – any plans to compose original music in the future?
AT: I currently have a few projects in the works which may include a few collaborations as well. I plan on venturing into different genres. After Divali I’ll be surprising my supporters with a new style of music, which was produced, mixed and mastered by Big Rich at the Pungalunks Factory. I also plan to release original music in the coming year…maybe sooner.
HM: After college you plan to pursue Law. Do you think it will be challenging to juggle your studies and music?
AT: I am a student who works while being a full-time singer. During the important weeks of school, such as midterms and finals, it’s a little difficult to balance both. But it’s all about time management, without that my schedule would fall apart. I wake up at the same time every day of the week and either go to work or school.
After coming home, I practice music and prepare for any shows, or vocal recordings I have coming up. So balance and time management is something I have developed over time. When I start pursuing law, I don’t believe it would be a struggle because it becomes a schedule. Lawyer by day and singer/entertainer by night!
