Watch the video: Tamil song 'Ye Macha' continues to unite South African Indian community 31 years later
A cross-cultural celebration
Sharmaine Deol
Image: Supplied
WHEN Sharmaine Maduray Deol reluctantly performed Ye Macha in 1994, she never imagined it would define her career for the next three decades.
Thirty-one-years later this Tamil song is a cross-cultural celebration staple in South Africa and continues to bring joy across communities.
Despite initially not liking the song, Deol's rendition has made her a household name, with the track now crossing cultural boundaries at various celebrations.
Deol was surprised to hear the song on East Coast Radio’s drive show with Stacey and J Sbu.
Originally celebrated for its energetic rhythm and vibrant South Indian flair, Ye Macha gained unexpected popularity in South Africa, at the Aryan Benevolent Home Music Extravaganza in 1994 after she was given the song by a friend, Tansen Nepaul, to sing.
“I was 24 years old, when Tansen gave me the song to sing. He had found it by chance on a CD he had bought on the roadside. We could never find the person who wrote the song. When I was given the song, I did not want to sing it. It just did not appeal to me. At the time I had begged him to give it to someone else but ended up singing it.
“When I performed it at the ABH Fair in 1994, it was a hit and a week later it aired on a show called Sundowners on SABC which showcases South African Indian talent. From then on, I was known as the 'Ye Macha Singer'.”
She was delighted to know the song was played on ECR.
“I was shocked when I heard it had been played on the station. Everyone associates the song with me because I made the song famous in South Africa. I always feel elevated to hear the song and especially elated that a Tamil song was played on ECR for the first time. It is amazing.”
Thirty-one-years later, Deol now sings in The Bollywood Show Band and continues to entertain the public with her rendition.
“Up till now, no matter where I perform, I am asked to sing Ye Macha. I sing it at all Indian functions, sometimes more than once. The song is proudly South African, I even sing the song at Muslim functions. One groom requested I sing it as he walked down the aisle. It is truly a beautiful experience,” said Deol.