Nurse Nisha delivers the cure for the common fete

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

 Nisha B poses in her nurse outfit backstage

Chutney-Soca princess Nisha B of the band Karma had a truly hectic Carnival 2013 with as much as 5 event appearances per night. This year the young singer has certainly shown the masses that much like her brother Ravi she can command massive audiences, deliver original crossover hit songs and offer her own unique ‘party prescription’.

In addition to garnering her fair share of radio rotation with her C2K13 hit tune ‘Wine Up Your Body’, her sizzling performance of the track in fetes sent several male audience members into a frenzy. Decked in a sexy nurse’s uniform among other sultry onstage numbers, Nisha touched down on several fete stages and at the recent events such as RAMA, A.S. Bryden’s fete and St. Anthony’s All Inclusive her mesmerizing moves motivated male patrons into performance mode as several of them climbed onto the stage to display their dancing abilities for the Chutney-Soca diva.

Most notably, much like her music repertoire, the very humble and hard-working Nisha has also seen an expansion in her brand. Recently, the East Indian beauty was signed as a local endorsee to international beauty product line Virgin Glam Hair. As one who always had an interest in fashion and beauty, she shared that she sees this product alignment as a natural fit for the Nisha B brand as she herself has many goals to accomplish on a global scale in the not too distant future.

As the T&T Carnival season has ended Nisha aspires to produce more original music in various genres and to continue to carry indigenous Caribbean music to various international borders throughout 2013.  

Nisha performs in another of her sultry onstage numbers

Along with her brothers Ravi, Anil and the other members of the Karma family, Nisha anticipates taking the band’s fresh show on the road. With a renewed energy, a pumping song and a collection of eye-catching outfits Nisha B is set to fire up fetes and keep audiences moving for the entire 2013 and beyond.

 

Copyright 2013 Caribbean E-Magazine All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without credit..

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Karma-holics unite at Hott Gangnam Nights

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Ravi B

Riding high on the popularity of their monster hit ‘Prescription’ former Chutney-Soca Monarch Ravi B and his band Karma have certainly kicked off a performance-packed Carnival 2013 season in ripping form. After delivering a scintillating showing at the International Groovy Soca Monarch semi-finals, the energetic ensemble turned up the heat at Dr. Fuad Khan and friends all-inclusive “Hott Gangnam Nights”.

Although this particular event offered a wide range of culinary delights and top-shelf beverages, patrons could not help but put down their plates and glasses and head to the dance floor area as soon as Karma hit the stage. The crowd delighted as the youthful band delivered several of its beloved original Chutney-Soca favourites such as ‘Ah Drinka’and ‘Rum is Meh Lover’ as well as the latest smashes ‘Prescription’ and ‘Friends With Benefits’(which is a collaboration between Ravi and Jamaican Dancehall artiste Konshens).

Karma delivered a high-impact performance with no technical difficulties to an appreciative audience. Highlights of the Karma set included Nisha B’s eye catching stage outfits and her commanding delivery of her current hit ‘Wine Up Your Body’ which prompted several male patrons to go onstage to dance for her approval. Also, young Karma heartthrob Gregory Ayuen connected with all the ladies through his rousing renditions of C2K13’s biggest tunes.
Most notably, in a show of mutual respect Chutney-Soca Queen Drupatee made a guest appearance on the Karma set and performed ‘Indian Gyal’ with Ravi singing Machel’s verses.


Chutney-Soca Queen Drupatee poses with Dr. Fuad Khan and Ravi B of Karma

According to the band’s members, Karma’s schedule has kicked into high gear and they will be appearing in several Carnival events over the next few weeks which include the annual Central Bank All Inclusive, Hott 93’s Inferno Fete, Soca For Life, Gulf View’s All Inclusive, RAMA and the Carnival Sunday favourite Mania.

Copyright 2013 Caribbean E-Magazine All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without credit..

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Ravi B and Iwer combine for monster C2K13 hit

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

As the days countdown to the greatest show on Earth new music for the relatively short season seems to coming out fast and furious from all directions. Adding to the musical fray, is the interesting collaboration by former Chutney-Soca Monarch Ravi B and former International Soca Monarch Neil ‘Iwer’ George who have come together to bring forth the crossover track “Lawa” for Carnival 2013.

 

Produced by Big Rich, Lawa is an up-tempo number that creatively fuses the worlds of traditional Chutney music with that of high impact, flag waving Soca music. Sung with both English and Hindi lyrics, Lawa has created a frenzy amongst music fans and entertainment industry professionals, with many describing the new song as the biggest Chutney-Soca alliance since Rikki Jai and Machel Montano teamed up on 2005’s Mor Tor.

 

The popularity of the tune on both Urban and East Indian radio stations as well as social media web portals has been truly positive for the surprising team of Ravi and Iwer who both have gained new fans with this latest release. Ravi stated, “It was an incredible learning experience to create this song with Iwer. He is truly the best at what he does and I look forward to performing Lawa alongside ‘D Boss’ on many stages for Carnival 2013”.

D Boss Neil 'Iwer' George

 

Even with a major collaboration under his belt, Ravi B who has worked with super producers Kerwin Dubois, GBM, 1st Klase, and Apolio Studios for the upcoming season promises more soon to be released music out of the Karma camp including his follow up 2013 track entitled “Friends With Benefits”. Ravi also hinted that in addition to his new material, fans can look out for his sister Nisha B’s new Soca single “Wine Up Yuh Body” which will be unleashed to the masses any day now.

 

Armed with new music and a renewed energy, the young entertainer is gearing up for a hectic season. With regards to his recent court case victory over the unfortunate incident from last year’s Chutney Soca Monarch finals Ravi shared, “I am very grateful to God for the positive outcome of this legal matter and the opportunity to move on from this dark period in my life and career. I acknowledge the mistakes that I have made and I am going forward with a positive energy, a strong sense of responsibility and a rejuvenated passion to do what I love, that is to spread joy through music and entertainment”.

 

Keep up to date with Ravi B and his new C2K13 releases on Facebook and via the Ravi B and Karma App for Iphone, Android and Blackberry.

 

 

 

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Karma Dominates Miami Carnival 2K12

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Some of Karma's Miami fans enjoying the band's multi-genre set

This past weekend the energy and excitement of Caribbean vibrations invaded the South Florida city of Miami. Being the last major stop on the annual Carnival calendar, hundreds of partygoers, entertainers and event promoters enjoyed the Columbus weekend in fine style. Not to be left out of the action, Ravi B, Nisha B and the band Karma brought Chutney-Soca flavour to many of Miami’s main events.

 

Karma, which has been on a steady roll with several high profile regional and international appearances and recently copped the award for ‘Over All Soca Chutney Band of the Year’ at the 2012 International Soca Awards graced the stages of top Miami Carnival events such as Girl, Power, R.AV.E. and the W Fete.

 

Nisha B shined as she took centre stage at Miami's ‘Girl Power’

Nisha B shined as she took centre stage at the famous Thursday night Miami fete, ‘Girl Power’. Despite still recovering from leg surgery, the queen bee of Karma brought the bacchanal with her powerful renditions of Chutney, Soca, Hip-Hop and Dance music. As the event’s only Chutney-Soca entertainer, she gracefully held her own on a cast which included Barbados’ Alison Hinds and Machel Montano HD.

 

Karma’s Ravi B also made waves and excited audiences with his delivery of multiple music genres at the Saturday night staple, R.A.V.E. (Real Artist Vibe Experience) and ignited the popular South Beach strip as he took to the stage at the well known establishment Mangos alongside Patrice Roberts, Rupee, Skinny Fabulous, Swappi, TC and Shal Marshal.

 

Most notably, Nisha and Ravi alongside vocalist Gregory Ayuen and their dynamic musicians had an impressive showing at ‘The W Fete’ which was held at Solare Gardens. The new event which is destined to be a Friday night Miami Carnival favourite featured Karma in full force in an intimate venue complete with fan interaction and the full audience participation for which the band is renowned.

Ravi B shares a backstage moment with Bajan Soca Queen Alison Hinds
during Miami's Carnival 2012

 The members of Karma thoroughly enjoyed their 2012 Miami Carnival experience and they are always grateful to touch base and perform for their South Florida fans. As they continue to wrap up their remaining tours for this year which include trips to Guyana, Orlando and Toronto they hinted of new music to be released soon from the camp for T&T’s Carnival 2013.

Keep up to date with the latest Karma news and music via http://www.karmaholics.com/ and both Nisha B and Ravi B’s Facebook Pages. Also, the Ravi B and Karma App is available for Iphone, Android and Blackberry.

 

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Ravi B and Karma represent T&T to the fullest in Orlando.

Monday, June 4, 2012

The excitement and energy emanating from venues the likes of Disney World and Universal Studios was challenged last weekend by the electricity of Orlando’s 2012 Carnival. Adding to the high-powered festivities was a virtual menu of musical talent featuring a Chutney-Soca flavoured main course from Trinidad and Tobago’s very own Karma.




During this year’s celebrations the famed crossover band victoriously flew the flag of T&T high in Orlando while simultaneously creating a frenzy among both Caribbean and non-Caribbean audiences with its appearances at the weekend’s string of major events. The band members which included lead vocalists Ravi and Nisha Bissambhar and their brother Anil (who serves as the band’s engineer) were all thrilled to be a part of Orlando’s 25th anniversary Carnival.

Nisha B thrilling the audience

Karma, which is known for its versatility and mastery of music genres, pumped up the patrons at the “D’ Ultimate Day Wet Fete” with its lively performance. The band had the attendees singing along to each song in its diverse repertoire which included everything from Soca smashes and Chutney hits to Pop favourites and classic Bollywood ballads. Most notably, the Chutney-Soca ensemble also headlined the major post-parade concert at the Festival Field in Orlando. With its vibrant Soca set Karma spearheaded a cast comprising Soca stars Shurwayne Winchester, K-Rich and a host of Florida’s finest entertainers much to the delight of the capacity crowd.

Ravi entertains at the “D’ Ultimate Day Wet Fete”

In addition to being cultural ambassadors for T&T, on this tour Ravi, Nisha and Anil were reunited with their sister Nalini-Bissambhar-Sankar who resides in Florida. Nalini, much like her Trinidad-based siblings is also musically gifted and spreads Caribbean culture throughout the ‘Sunshine State’ and greater US with her band called Dimensionz.

The Bissambhar sibling re-unite at recent Orlando Carnival performance
(from left, Ravi, Nisha, Nalini and Anil Bissambhar

Members of the Orlando Carnival Cultural Association (the organizers of Orlando’s Carnival), Gemini Production (Top US/Caribbean event producers) as well as fans and participants have expressed their pleasure and appreciation for Karma’s presence in this year’s Carnival and their desires for another performance from the dynamic band in the not too distant future.

Former Chutney-Soca Monarch Ravi B revealed that as Karma gears up to release a monster collaboration with one of Soca’s hottest performers and to launch the Ravi B and Karma mobile app on Blackberry, Nokia and Android platforms the members are also in preparation mode for their annual Fathers Day spectacular on June 16th in Trinidad and a feature performance at the first “Chutney Fire Fete” on July 1st in Toronto, Canada.




Keep in the know with Ravi B and Karma by logging onto: http://karmaholics.com/

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Karma’s Ravi B and T&T Reggae crooner Isasha release “Jab Jab Bahar Aaye”.

Saturday, May 12, 2012

Ravi B of the band Karma

The worlds of Chutney-Soca and Reggae have come together for what is being described as a major mid-year groovy ballad. Karma’s Ravi B and T&T Reggae crooner Isasha have combined musical styles for the new track entitled “Jab Jab Bahar Aaye”.


This latest Caribbean collaboration is produced by top Trinidadian producer Big Rich of the ‘The Punkalunks Factory’ who in recent years has been responsible for some of the biggest hits in the Chutney and Soca genres. The song unites Ravi B’s sweet, sensual Hindi lyrics with Isasha’s raw, unmistakable vocals, set to the tempo of a groovy Chutney-Soca riddim for a truly melodious and danceable number.



Although it has only been recently released, music fans and industry insiders have been giving the new tune positive reviews and have already branded it as a modern day wedding anthem. Upon listening to the single, a well known entertainment blogger defined Jab Jab Bahar Aaye as ‘a festive Caribbean party atmosphere meeting a passionate wedding setting’ due to its romantic overtones matched with its infectious percussive beats.

Isasha

Isasha whose real name is Brendon Young is recognized as one of T&T’s premier Reggae balladeers and in 2012 he proved his ability on the Soca stage with his Carnival 2012 track ‘Wining Symptoms”. On Jab Jab Bahar Aaye he impressively complements Ravi’s smooth Hindi vocals with his rootsy Ragga technique.


This new musical offering, however, does not mark the first occasion that the Chutney and Reggae worlds have combined as Ravi B’s sister and Karma band mate Nisha B has previously teamed up with Jamaican superstars Beenie Man and Busy Signal creating the Dancehall-Chutney sub-genre.


Ravi shared that not only does this collaboration between himself and Isasha represent unity and creative comradry amongst Caribbean artistes but it also showcases the limitless possibilities for the Chutney-Soca art form as it gains momentum en route to achieving further global appeal.


Since Trinidad’s 2012 Carnival Ravi and Karma have been touring almost every weekend in the US, Canada and Guyana. He noted that the band’s next carded performance in Trinidad will be on May 29th for the country’s Indian Arrival Day celebrations after it returns from overseas appearances at events such as the Gemini Production’s Annual Mother’s Day Concert in Miami, the 10/10 cricket finals in Guyana and Orlando’s Carnival.


Most notably, Ravi B will also open for Bollywood superstar Sonu Nigam at the Jean Pierre Complex in Port of Spain on June 2nd and he will host The Annual Father’s Day Spectacular on June 16th alongside Karma at the Centre of Excellence.

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Ravi B releases new mobile app!

Monday, April 9, 2012

Ravi B of the band Karma

As the digital revolution continues to sweep the globe, the entertainment industry especially music is successfully riding this technological wave. In his mission to take the Chutney-Soca genre to international heights and to keep it on par with all other musical art forms Karma’s Ravi B recently announced the release of the Ravi B and Karma mobile application.

An historical first for the Chutney Industry, the new ‘Ravi B and Karma app’ is available for download on all Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, iPod touch) and also Android platforms and will soon be available for Blackberry. The multi-faceted app will feature a home page, music page, band member biographies, as well as access to Karma’s merchandise and much more to be revealed. Also notable is the fact that Karma will use this new mobile medium to showcase the new fresh faces and up and coming talents of the Chutney world.

Chutney Soca crossover band Karma

When asked about the decision to have this app developed, Ravi B stated, “We saw the importance of making our music digitally accessible. At the rate that the world and technology is growing, it’s evident that in 2 years basically everyone will have a smart phone or tablet device and we (Karma) had to think ahead to find ways to reach our fans and general Chutney-Soca fans around the world. We see the Ravi B and Karma app as the key to the digital world, the key to reach the supporters and the key to the future.

Now that Karma and Chutney-Soca is in the global technological mix, this signifies a stepping stone to great possibilities for the band and its indigenous regional music styles to gain new markets and more international recognition.

This new development has thus far been receiving rave reviews from fans, fellow artistes, music industry stakeholders and media practitioners. Many see this as not only a great achievement for the band Karma but for Chutney-Soca and Caribbean music on the whole.

To download the Ravi and Karma App log onto:itunes OR http://www.karmaholics.com/

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