Kashi Orchestra: a legacy of Indian vernacular music in SA

IN THIS column, I have stepped away from the traditional style of profiling a Tamil band. Instead, I have opted to profile the first South African Indian vernacular band, the Kashi Orchestra, led by Peter Jack.

- JIMMY MOODLEY

Next month, the Bethesda Church will turn 100 years old. The Kashi Orchestra was an integral part of the church. It was formed solely for the purpose of performing gospel vernacular music for the Christian Indian community.

In 1946, Pastor Rowlands visited India and discovered the name “Kashi”. Hence on his return to South Africa, he founded the orchestra with Jack that same year and named it “Kashi”. It was based at the Bethesda Church in Carlisle Street, Durban.

Prior to the formation, Jack was a member of Durban’s famous Ranjeni Orchestra, whose headquarters were in the Natal Tamil Vedic Hall, situated directly opposite the Bethesda Church. He left the Ranjeni Orchestra to lead the newly-formed Kashi Orchestra.

Jack, who was a clarinet player, had a flair for vernacular music.