Monali Shome
Indian Classical & Light Music Vocalist, Composer & Lead Trainer
Drisha Music Academy, Johannesburg, SA
Monali Shome, an incredibly talented singer & composer, was born in the secluded serenity of her home at Dhaleswar on the eastern outskirts of Agartala, Tripura on 16th September 1975. Since her childhood she has always been inclined towards music and was inspired and encouraged by her mother, Gita Bhowmick. From her young age, she has been a consistent performer on Doordarshan (Indian National Television Channel) and All India Radio (Indian National Radio Service).
She is the recipient of the RD Burman Music Award in Kolkata. At present, she is actively working towards promoting Indian Classical Music globally. She runs her own school, Drisha Music Academy, where she has more than 300 students. She is currently teaching a diverse mix of students from 16 different countries across the globe.
The Initial Years
She started learning music as early as 5 when she used to learn from her mother. She was a child prodigy and she used to pick up songs very easily. She was introduced to harmonium very early in her music career and she used to play it with utmost ease. She went on to train in classical and light music along with her academic studies.
She has always been a top achiever throughout her academic career. She was placed first in the Tripura Board of Higher Secondary Education, in 1993.
Along with her studies, she was a constant performer on the Doordarshan (Indian National Television Channel) and All India Radio (Indian National Radio Service). Since she belonged to a highly conservative family, she did not participate in Live performances or stage shows when she was younger to showcase her immense talent.
Trainers & Gurus
She has been formally trained in Indian Classical Music since the age of 5 under Rabi Nag and then under Shipra Kar Choundhary in Agartala, Tripura, India.
Thereafter she received her training in Advanced Music and Sangeet Prabhakar under the guidance of the Late Sri Ranjeet Ghosh.
She received Advanced Classical Training from the Classical Maestro of the Sangeet Research Academy – Dipali Nag.
She undertook further training in Bengali Light Songs from Sri Suprakash Chaki (a famous Composer and Playback Singer).
Thereafter, she learnt Vocal Training and Singing techniques from Sri Ashok Dutta (a famous Singer, Composer and voice Trainer who is a disciple of the Ghazal Maestro, Ghulam Ali) and Sangeet Alankar from Sri Narayan Divan of Akhil Bhartiya Gandharv Mahavidyalay, Pune.
Performer Monali
She started performing Live Shows after gaining moral support from her husband, Debajit Shome. With her very first competition during the Live performance at Kolkata in the RD Burman Music Show, she deservedly bagged the first prize.
She was then a regular performer in many shows across India, organized for various cultural functions. She moved to Pune in 2002 and was offered the position of the Lead Music teacher in the Delhi Public School, Pune. She continued performing on stage for various cultural events and also in many charitable functions.
International Glory
In April, 2005, she embarked on a voyage to South Africa accompanying her husband, Debajit. She rendered voluntary service by teaching semi-classical & light music to all those who were interested in learning music at the Indian Consulate Office in Johannesburg. She also started training professionals who had been specializing in Western Music and were interested in Light Indian music.
She was invited by the South African Cricket Board to perform at the Cricket extravaganza involving India & South Africa during the India – South Africa series in December 2006.
Thereafter she has been a leading performer on many Indian Musical stage events, be it on the occasion of the Independence Day, or be it the Republic Day Celebrations or be it on any festive occasions like Diwali or Holi.
She was also invited to perform in the Shared History Festival (an Annual Indian Festival in South Africa) which included legendary performers like Viku Vinayakram and L. Subramanyam.
Composer Monali
Monali lent her voice and also composed the theme music for DSTV Indian Channel of South Africa. She has also composed multiple songs & bhajans for the local South African Indian community.
Awards & Achievements
Monali has won multiple awards during her school and college days. She has completed ‘Sangeet Prabhakar’ from Allahabad University. Her first recognition as a world-class singer came through the famous RD Burman Music Award in 1998, organized by Kalasangam.
In South Africa, she was referred to as the ‘Nightingale of Indian Music’. During the National Hindi Eisteddfod Ceremony in Johannesburg, South Africa, the Chief of Indian Mission presented her with a special award in recognition of her sincere commitment and endless hours of dedication towards the development of Indian Music for the South African Nationals.