Rakesh Yankaran Headlines Chutney Extravaganza in Brampton

By Kojo

One of the most revered voices in Indo-Trinidadian music, Rakesh Yankaran, known to fans as The Raja, will headline the highly anticipated Love & Chutney Bollywood Extravaganza on Saturday, May 31, at Mystic Lounge in Brampton.

Rakesh Yankaran

This celebration of chutney and Bollywood rhythms will also feature an impressive lineup of celebrated performers, including Dubraj Persad, Satnarine Ragoo, Omesh Singh, Arianna Thackurdeen, and Amit Sagram, all backed by the high-energy Wave Band.

A living legend in chutney music, Yankaran’s career spans over four decades. Born on December 3, 1959, in Brickfield, Carapichaima, Trinidad and Tobago, he hails from a deeply musical Indo-Trinidadian family of Telugu and Bhojpuri Indian descent. His late father, Isaac Yankaran, was a master of Indian classical music, and his brothers, Anand, Suresh, and Sharm, are also well-known names in the genre.

Rakesh began playing music at a young age, teaching himself traditional Indian instruments like the tabla, dholak, harmonium, dhantal, and tassa drum. His breakout hit came in 1991 with “Dadiyya Moday Lay Lay,” which catapulted him to national stardom. He followed up with crowd favourites such as “Mousie,” “Duiahin Chale Sasural,” and “Naroro Ray,” blending classic East Indian rhythms with the lively energy of chutney soca.

The May 31st concert is more than just a performance, it’s a celebration of cultural heritage, musical legacy, and the enduring popularity of chutney music across generations. With a cast of top performers and a venue known for its electric atmosphere, this event promises an unforgettable night for fans of the genre.

Tickets are available by phone at 416-606-7656 or online at theticketport.com.