Deejay Nivaadh Singh
Image: Supplied
IN HOMAGE to South African culture and music, Deejay Nivaadh Singh has released a remix of the 1994 classic Thu Hai Mera Sanam performed by Priya Singh, which was co-produced by her 23-year-old son Nirav Kiash Ramaloo, fondly known as DJ NKR.
Nivaadh said the song marked a significant collaboration – bridging generations as the son of the original artist works alongside a torchbearer of South African Indian music.
The remix has been released, and is already gaining traction on radio and at live events.
Nivaadh said he was about 7 years old when the original song was released.
"I grew up listening to Priya's music, as my parents always played her songs at home, so her music has always been part of my upbringing. Recently, while scrolling through YouTube and revisiting classic nostalgic music videos from back in the day, I came across her 1994 performance of Thu Hai Mera Sanam.
"The moment I heard it again, I had an immediate emotional connection and a strong instinct to reimagine it as a remix. The song is truly an all-time classic and holds deep nostalgic value within the South African Indian community. It was popular back then, and even today it still resonates with many people. With this remix, the intention was to re-vibe the track – to preserve its essence while introducing it to a new generation who may not have experienced the original. Priya was, and still remains, an iconic figure in the music industry."
He said he initially reached out to Priya via email to share the idea of the remix.
"She and her family are now based in the United Kingdom, so we have not met in person, but she was supportive of the concept. Fortunately, her son, Nirav, is also a DJ and involved in music, which made the collaboration feel natural. He assisted with some of the recording and production elements from his studio, and it became a meaningful partnership that brought both generations together through music. This is our first collaboration, and it has been a special one. We are open to working together again in the future if the right opportunity presents itself."
Nivaadh, a 38-year-old mechanical engineering and process plant Inspector in Richards Bay, said choosing a South African track was intentional.
"We have a rich musical heritage in this country, especially within the South African Indian community, and it’s important to highlight and celebrate that. This project is also a way of honouring Priya for her contributions to the music industry and ensuring that her legacy continues to reach new audiences."
Nirav Kiash Ramaloo, fondly known as DJ NKR.
Image: Supplied
Nirav, who was born in South Africa, has spent 19 years of his life living overseas – growing up in the diverse environments of Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, and the UK.
He said that international perspective followed him into his professional life, where he currently worked as a computer-aided design operator, focusing on the technical and creative side of how things are manufactured.
Nirav said he always had a passion for music, which led me to DJ-ing.
"Currently, I treat it as more of a hobby (performing as NKR), mostly spinning for family events or gatherings with friends where I can really control the energy. Beyond this collaboration, I’m always experimenting with new sounds in my home studio, looking for ways to blend my global influences with my South African roots."
He said remixing a song performed by his mother felt "incredibly special".
"Growing up, I knew the story of her performing this track to around 40,000 people when she was just a teenager, so being the one to help rework it 32 years later felt like a full-circle moment for our family. It wasn’t just a technical project, it was about honouring her legacy. She has been incredibly supportive and excited throughout the process. Having me work on this track with her meant so much to her, especially since it’s not a genre I usually work with. I’m generally more into African dance music, such as Amapiano, Afro House/Tech, 3 Step, and Gqom."
He said his mom still sang, though she stepped away from live performances temporarily. Her last major concert in South Africa was in 2019.
"However, because of the huge number of requests she has been getting from fans lately, she is seriously considering a return to the stage. She is also keeping busy behind the scenes, writing her own original music at the moment, so fans can definitely expect more releases from her soon."
The song, he said, was important to the younger generation as it served as a bridge.
"There’s a whole segment of the younger generation that may never have heard the original 1994 version or fully understood its impact on the South African music scene. By giving it a modern re-vibe through the vision of the incredibly talented DJ Nivaadh Singh, we’re making that history accessible again. The new track allows younger listeners to connect with their heritage through a sound that feels current to them, ensuring that classic South African Indian hits aren’t lost to time, but instead celebrated on modern dance floors."