Up-and-coming Kiwi musician launches fundraiser to bring traditional Indian music to NZ audiences

Kiwi singer Priya Sami is raising $4,500 to travel to India where she plans to learn traditional Carnatic singing.

In April 2018 Sami will travel to New Delhi to study at the Global Academy of Arts, Languages and Culture. Ms Sami is a musician of Irish and Fijian/Indian descent, based in Tamaki Makaurau who writes music as Trip Pony and the Sami Sisters, will create an album based on her experiences in India on her return to New Zealand.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me to immerse myself in the music of my ancestral homeland. I have never been to India, and I can’t speak Hindi, and though I have always loved traditional Indian music, I can’t understand it. This trip will be a first-hand experience of my culture and a way to bring a unique perspective to my work,” Ms Sami said.

To travel to India, Sami needs to raise $4,500 to help pay for her tuition, flights and other expenses while she is there. She has started a crowdfunding campaign on the Pledge Me platform to help her raise funds but has just less than a week left to raise it.

Ms Sami’s Budget:

Flights - $1964

Lessons at Global Academy of Arts, Languages & Culture - $1422

Travel within India - $300

Accommodation - $500

Food - $200

Travel Insurance - $180

“I hope this trip will inspire other young New Zealanders of Indian descent to reconnect with their culture and heritage. I’m asking people to help support this journey and to be part of bringing Carnatic singing to a New Zealand audience., Ms Sami added.

As of Monday, February 26, Sami has raised more than $2,695 from friends and family, but she is asking the wider community to support her efforts and donate before the Friday, March 2.

“I’ve been singing since I could speak and write songs for the last 15 years, so it makes sense for me to take this journey through music.”

The community can make their donations to Priya Sami’s fundraiser at:

Help me trace my roots through song OR https://www.pledgeme.co.nz/projects/5555-help-me-trace-my-roots-through-song???????

Donations close Friday, March 2 at 6 p.m.