A musical odyssey: Satchu Annamalai's journey from choir boy to thriving artist

IN THE vibrant community of Merebank, where dreams and aspirations intertwine with daily life, a remarkable story of passion and perseverance unfolds.

- CANDICE SOOBRAMONEY

WITH his wife, Kavitha, and children Rashawn, Kashvin and Dayita. | Supplied

Satchu Annamalai, born and raised in this spirited neighbourhood, has forged a melodious journey that began at a tender age and has since evolved into a multifaceted career encompassing music, acting, and academia.

And it all started with singing in a school choir.

Annamalai's love for music ignited when he was 8 years old. As a shy youngster in Standard 1, he was chosen to join the school choir at Merebank State-Aided Primary School.

Under the guidance of Mrs S Naidoo, a music teacher, he discovered the magic of performance.

Though semiretired, the performing arts veteran continues to embrace his passion for singing and has racked up a following on TikTok and Facebook. This has extended into him becoming an MC and entertainer. Added to this, Annamalai continues to perform in stage productions, recently with the Dingalings, a Durban-based theatre group.

For him, performance runs through his veins.

"My music journey started when I was chosen, alongside another classmate, to sing in the school choir. I was in Standard 1 and 8 years old.

"Mrs Naidoo spent a lot of time honing our singing skills. I remember the attention we received when we were invited to sing at city hall. It made such a huge impact on me that I still sing the songs we sang there - Three Drummer Boys and Kookaburra."

Annamalai said his dad was the manager of the band, Jack and the Four Aces, and when the band practised at home, he was always close by listening and admiring how they created music.

He said the only people he knew at the time who played the guitar were two brothers, Alan and Jeffrey.