Skandan Arul Ramsamy.
Image: Supplied
USING artificial intelligence, Durban’s Skandan Arul Ramsamy, 10, combined his love for music and spirituality to create his debut album, ‘Muruga I Have Found You’, to inspire young devotees.
The Grade 5, Reddam House pupil, said his love for Muruga was inspired by growing up in a deeply spiritual home, led by his father and mentor, Kovilan Ramsamy.
Released under Saravanabhava Records, the album features 10 songs designed to connect both young and old devotees, using “the power and energy of Muruga.”
“My music has a vibe which people can dance to. It is not boring. Devotional music is not only for the older generation. Music to God is my way of connecting spiritually,” he said.
Skandan’s name means “Muruga’s Blessings,” and his journey has been deeply intertwined with faith from a very young age.
“From the age of 2, my life was tested. I was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome. My kidneys were leaking protein, and my mum and I spent countless days and nights in hospitals while appa (Dad) kept the prayers going non-stop.”
He said his family’s devotion to Lord Muruga became their source of strength during those difficult times.
“If you know my father, then you know the true king of our home was never him. It has always been Lord Muruga. Muruga is all we know,” he said.
This year brought another challenge when Skandan was diagnosed with paediatric lupus and nodular heterotopia.
“The first few months of this year were filled with hospital stays, MRIs, doctors, needles, and endless testing.
“There were days when appa and mum felt completely broken. I used to see my mum crying when she thought nobody was looking and I know appa prayed harder than ever before.”
Despite the hardships, Skandan said his faith only grew stronger.
“So many people prayed for me. But above all, it was Muruga pulling the strings. I truly believe I am his puppet and in some way all of us are,” he said.
Through his experiences, Skandan found a way to combine his passion for music with spirituality.
“I have always had a passion for music and deejaying and what better way to honour Muruga than through music?” he said.
Skandan revealed that artificial intelligence played a key role in bringing the album to life.
“I used to play around with various apps. But it was only when I heard the song my uncle in Australia composed that truly inspired me to learn more about AI and what I could achieve with it,” he said.
The youngster said he used ChatGPT to help turn his feelings into songs.
“I ask ChatGPT to translate my feelings into a song. Muruga is my inspiration. It is because of him that I am ok today,” he said.
Balancing school life with music creation, Skandan completed the album in just five days while also juggling golf, tabla, and piano lessons.
“My album will hopefully be out soon. I worked on my songs in my spare time,” he said.
For Skandan, the album’s purpose goes beyond entertainment.
“I wanted to encourage young people to start listening to the music that I felt connectioned to and maybe they might also feel the same vibe I do,” he said.
He said he hoped his music inspired children everywhere to connect spiritually and follow their dreams.
“My biggest dream is for Muruga to not only hear my prayer, but also that of all His children out there. They all need His love and affection,” he said.
“I think everyone should always follow their dreams no matter how old they are. Young people need to be happy with themselves and then they will realise what they truly want with their lives.”
He also credited his mother, Thiroshna Ramsamy, for motivating him to keep going.
“With a mum like mine, she pushes me to always finish what I start and this helps me to always want to do more,” he added.
His parents, Kovilan and Thiroshna, said they were immensely proud of their son’s spiritual journey and dedication to Lord Muruga.
“We are so proud of our son Skandan Arul, of his faith and dedication to Lord Muruga. This has proven that when you teach your children at an early age about our faith, they grow into it with understanding and not forced upon them.”
Following the launch of his first album, Skandan plans to continue creating music that rejuvenates devotion and brings the spirit of Muruga to a new generation through modern sound and technology.
The ‘Muruga I Have Found You’ album will debut at the Lord Muruga Conference 2026 ,on May 31 at the Shree Emperumal Temple, in Mount Edgecombe.