DJ Nivaadh Singh makes international debut in New Zealand

Nivaadh Jeeth Singh, also known as Deejay Nivaadh Singh, a Bollywood fusion DJ and live-streamer, recently made his international debut at Studio The Venue in Auckland, New Zealand. 

The venue has previously hosted artists and groups, including Sisqo, Shaggy, Fatman Scoop, Janet Jackson, and The Black Eyed Peas. 

Singh, a mechanical engineering inspector from Richards Bay, said this had been a milestone in his 18 year career.

"The idea was initiated by Althaf Suleman of The Bhangra Boat. Hosting our own event internationally was extremely difficult but we took on the task to represent South African Indian culture.

"The audience was predominantly South Africans, who made us feel right at home with a great amount of love and appreciation. It felt like a South African reunion. Everyone just wanted to celebrate and have a great time. In terms of music selection, we definitely wanted to give them a piece of home. I played songs we all grew up with such as Eddy Grant's Gimme Hope, Jo'Anna," said the 38-year-old. 

He said his passion for music was fuelled by his parents. 

"Although they didn’t make a career of music, they exposed me to the beauty of our Indian culture through music. They loved dancing and together with them, I attended many supper clubs and got to see the best of the night life. 

"As a child, I remember making music on a makeshift drum set made out of cardboard boxes and I used pencils as drumsticks. I later started my career in drumming with the church band. This experience grew my interest in music and prompted me to discover the world of sound engineering. 

"It further led me to start my own recording studio in 2008. I was passionate about music production and my song Say Goodbye, featuring Gabriel Gerhard, was aired on national radio and television." 

A highlight was playing as a supporting artist to Ralf Gum, who he referred to as one of the pioneers of house music, as well as Raymond Ramnarine, a Trinidadian and Tobagonian singer and songwriter. Ramnaraine is the lead vocalist and arranger of the crossover chutney soca band Dil-E-Nadan.

Singh, the owner of Destination 4:13 Records, began livestreaming his show #FTLOM (For The Love of Music) in December 2019.

"I really got discovered during the Covid-19 lockdown and my following grew exponentially. I currently have more than 67 000 followers on Facebook and 18 000 subscribers on YouTube. Our live streams have now been viewed over 4.5 million times in over 56 countries. I live-stream every Friday and Saturday nights from 9pm to 11pm. The shows are aired on both Facebook and YouTube. Our #FTLOM On Air podcast is aimed at educating the public on the impact of music icons, music trends and showcasing entertainers in our community."

Singh said he was interested in doing more international events.

"This year, I have events planned for The Gas Motor Show 2025 this week and in Richards Bay, Newcastle and Ladysmith. I am working on more music production and keeping a keen eye on the developments of live streaming. My main focus has always been my audience, and giving them the best entertainment. I am excited to see what the future holds as I take them all on this journey of music with me."

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