?Oh! They are back!? This is what their fans say, when they hear about Boney M in India. For their fans, it?s nostalgia as the 70?s evoke memories of Vinyl records, bell bottom pants and the music of Boney M. Boney M is a truly unforgettable name in the history of music. This glamorous and extremely popular group came together in 1976 and ever since occupied a special place in the hearts of music lovers the world over. Formed by Frank Farian, Liz Mitchell, Maizie Williams, Marcia Barrett and Bobby Farrell formed Boney M, the group separated after the death of Farian, the lead male singer.
Barrett was in Delhi on Friday with her percussionist husband Marcus James to perform at the IIPM annual fest, in Delhi. She said, ?Since 1990, the band is no longer together. But I love to sing the popular tracks from Boney M?s albums such as ?Daddy Cool?, ?Ma Baker?, ?Rivers of Babylon?, ?Brown Girl in the Ring? and ?Rasputin? on my stage shows because I am an original singer of the band.?
Three generations have grown up humming and dancing to these hits. Barrett is also doing the title tracks of an Indian movie in Hyderabad. She is also composing for the first time, ?my next album, ?Seeing is Believing? will be released soon,? informs Barrett. And is an old hand in India, having traveled to Goa, Bangalore and Mumbai earlier.
Visit her website, the first thing that would catch your attention is ? the number of visitors that she has on her website. It?s on increasing everyday as the band is still adding to its fan club. When asked what she does to keep track of her huge fan following, she becomes more comfortable and says, ?My live shows act as a major chord between me and my fans.? And of course, there?s recorded music, Barrett adds.
Boney M turned into a major hit with their music, which was catchy, lively and very rhythmic. Their music has influence of reggae, funk, rock, gospel and disco. With the tech age round the corner, what does Barrett think about the digital revolution? ?I remember I was very skeptical about computers earlier. But now I am living it up with a digital sphere.?
Barrett, the lead singer of the band has an inclination for positive vibes and she loves to create happy music. ?I am a rocker and I love rock. If my fans at a concert let their hair down with me, I feel the purpose of my music is met. It?s all about singing something happy,? answers an optimistic Barrett.
There is more to this lead singer of Boney M, than her melodious voice. She is a breast cancer victim, who fought for survival with utter determination and grit.
Ask her about Indian music and Indian singers. Barrett laughs, ?I just love listening to Indian songs. They are absolutely raunchy. The names of either the Indian songs or the singers, I swear, if I could pronounce them for you! But I can do it soon after I learn it.?
Does she see any emerging music from any part of the world? An optimistic Barrett replies, ?Oh! Globally, I see people are over-creative and I appreciate it.?