KOCHI: Famed as the ‘Maradona’ performer ever since he sang with Deigo Maradona during the football legend’s visit to Kerala, vocalist Charles Antony on Wednesday entertained patients at the Government General Hospital here as part of the weekly ‘Arts and Medicine’ show of Biennale music.
The city-based artist, who can sing in 14 languages, began the show with ‘May God Bless and Keep You’, originally rendered by American country singer Jim Reeves. It was followed by the same Spanish number that catapulted Charles to fame.
The session also paid tributes to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa and Cuban president Fidel Castro who passed away recently through the songs ‘Thenpandi Cheemaiyile’ from the film ‘Nayakan’ and a Cuban traditional number ‘Guantanamera’.
The event also ushered in the festive season with the evergreen ‘Jingle Bell’ carol. Members of the audience were invited on the stage to sing along in the show which also saw singers Selvaraj and Sajan render Malayalam songs ‘Mizhiyoram’ and ‘Alliyambal’.
The one-and-a half hour show concluded with the Tamil number ‘Kanne Kalaimane’, which was sung by Charles on special request.
The vocalist, who kick-started his career with a two member band Collins and Charles, later gained recognition with his solo performances.
“I felt honoured to sing at a party organised by His Highness Prince Faisal of Saudi Arabia, I consider it as a once-in-a lifetime opportunity, a dream well fulfilled,” said the singer.
Charles was the only Indian at the Europe Multicultural Festival in June which included bands from around the world and he was subsequently interviewed by the Austrian Radio.
“I enjoy what I do at present, language is not a barrier for music, it gives me immense pleasure to be able to sing for a crowd at the hospital which derives solace from my songs. Music therapy through singing provides emotional satisfaction which nothing else can offer,” added the singer.
This programme marked the 146th episode of ‘Arts and Medicine’ which is organised by Kochi Biennale Foundation in association with Mehboob Memorial Orchestra and Lakeshore Hospital and Research Centre Limited.