He's got the show on the road

A lack of interest in giving exposure to young musical talent by the Indian media in New Zealand is giving rise to a budding entrepreneur and showman – and he is threatening to be even bigger.

Ashwin Anand, the man behind the Indian Idol and Indian Diva, has now embarked on one of his biggest ventures which will shake up the Logan Campbell Centre in Auckland on May 23.

The 27-year-old former Golden Voice of New Zealand, Golden Voice of Auckland, and the South Pacific, has organized the High School Rockerz – and it’s all for charity.

The Auckland audio engineer says he will be donating all proceeds towards the Ronald McDonald charity.

But his motive is to provide a platform for young talent to get noticed on stage and then be able to realize their potential and go forward in the entertainment world.

“I have picked up so many singing awards, and even had my own CD, but the media in New Zealand just would not give me any exposure and completely spurned any approaches,” Anand, from New Lynn, told Sandesh recently.

“Media is not helping local artistes by shunning them.

“One of the first things the Indian media here ask is whether we will be taking out an advertisement before they will consider running any editorial or give time on radio.

“That’s not right, media should be fair and neutral and not just be a money making set-up,” said Anand who is best known for organizing the Indian Idol for the past five years.

The Rockerz, the second being organized by Anand, will this year feature 400 students from 18 participating schools from throughout Auckland – with each school being paid $300 to participate.

Even the participating teacher of the winning school will be getting a prize – an Italian marble table from one of the sponsors.

Anand, who is originally from Nadi, Fiji, said that together with a few sponsors, he was mostly footing all the bills – and that the event may even leave him out of pocket. He estimates total costs to be around $40,000.

The winning school will receive $1000 cash prize. Last year’s winner was Lynfield College.

Come what may, Showman Anand is well on his way to achieving his aim of giving exposure to young talent yearning for a spot in the limelight.

* High School Rockerz, May 23, Logan Campbell Centre, 7pm. For details, contact Ashwin Anand on 021 1184751.