Tongaat teen shares faith through free devotional music CDs
A high school pupil is showcasing her love for God by recording and giving out her CDs at no cost as a way of upholding her religion and culture.
Neha Naicker, 17, of Desainagar in Tongaat, started singing from age seven.
"It may have been even before that. My dad used to sing religious songs and I imitated him," said Neha.
The Grade 12 pupil at Crawford North Coast said her first professional recording was in 2023.
“The opportunity was a gift from my parents on my 16th birthday. They wanted me to create music as they knew I had a passion for singing. After that recording, I continued learning music. Last year, during Purtassi, I recorded some songs and released them on TikTok and it did fairly well.”
Ahead of Kavady, she completed her third recording and that was when she decided to compile a CD.
“I hand out the CDs to people who also enjoy music and want to listen to songs I have created for Lord Muruga. I only got positive feedback. As a young girl, it is rare for someone my age to make music and to be more specific, devotional music.
“Elderly people are happy to see me continuing our religion and the younger generation also enjoys it, as it is an easy way to feel God's presence."
She said the CDs were freely distributed.
“I love what I do, so I wanted to share it with all Lord Muruga’s devotees. I wanted to make their Thai Poosam Kavady prayers more special and for them to connect with the Lord. I would love for His devotees to feel His love.
"During this period, I wanted to give back to Lord Muruga. My father taught me to be humble and remember our roots. He always said people rely on music to take them through life's tough journeys. Where possible, I would love to give back to the history of my culture."
Neha has recorded five Narayana songs and one Muruga song.
“I know people my age don’t enjoy long services with the harmonium and tabla but I know they enjoy music that is similar to the vibrant bhajans at Kavady, so I tried to create music that was more enjoyable."
She said she would continue recording.
"I thoroughly enjoy singing for my Gods as it takes me into a different dimension. Music is one of the best ways to connect to God and through the music I create, I hope the people who listen to it can also connect to God. It is important to keep close to our roots and never forget our God."
Neha’s dad, Naven Naicker, a businessman, said: “Singing is her devotion and it helps her keep her mind at ease. It's her way of showing the love of God. Neha was in our temple at home when we went through the tornado last year and she was safe, so now she wants to thank God.
“We are proud of her for giving the CDs for free. It was her way of giving back to the community and we encouraged her to do so."