Not too long ago, when the city was still called Bangalore, its residents would enjoy live music and karaoke nights, one of which used to be Opus Kroaknights on Sundays. Those melodious evenings were hosted by Carlton Braganza, who has brought back the music in a different avatar with KroaKING. Over the past five weeks, KroaKING, as a singing contest, has seen as many as 400 entrants participate. This weekend will see 12 finalists battle it out for an attractive cash prize.
“The idea for KroaKING was born from the Kroak matches that I used to host at Opus on Sundays. What started as a small competition grew bigger every year, moving to 10 cities with a grand finale in Bangalore, until it got shelved a few years ago. However, with the Bangalore Airport opening up to events, the idea of KroaKING was revived,” says Carlton Braganza, reflecting on the evolution of this musical endeavor.
The turnout has been nothing short of surprising, with enthusiastic crowds showing up at The Quad by BLR at Bengaluru’s Terminal 1. “We’ve had close to 400 registrations over the last two months, and after five rounds of qualifiers, we are now at the semifinals with 12 participants,” Braganza adds. The excitement reaches a crescendo as the remaining contestants prepare for the grand showdown.
Among the eclectic mix of finalists are a photographer, a seventh standard student, software developers, and music educators. On the panel of judges are well-loved names such as Nikhil Chinappa, Vasundhra Das, Grace Maureen, Brian Carvalho, and Niharika Parthasarthy, among others. Their varied backgrounds and wealth of experience in the music industry promise an enriching and impartial evaluation of the talents on display.
“It’s wonderful to see previous Opus participants turn industry names and superstars now,” says Carlton. “Grace Maureen, who was the final season’s winner, is a judge now, while a few others have taken on mentorship roles.
.” The journey from contestant to judge symbolizes the nurturing environment that KroaKING and its predecessor created for budding artists. Many Opus alumni have scaled great heights, including Sanam Puri, Aditya Jassi, Thomson Andrews, as well as Bengaluru’s own Bryden Lewis, Behram Siganporia, and Mark Lazaro, to name a few.
In addition to the singing contest, KroaKING will host workshops on voice and performance in collaboration with The Harmony School of Music and BrandMusiq. These workshops aim to provide valuable training and insights to participants, honing their skills for not just the competition but their future musical endeavors as well. A commemorative CD, produced in partnership with Streamphony Studios, will also be released on the occasion, encapsulating the spirit and talent of this year’s participants.
The grand finale of KroaKING will take place on September 28 from 7 PM onwards, at The Quad By BLR in Terminal 1. Entry is free, inviting all music aficionados and the general public to witness a musical extravaganza that promises to be memorable.
In an era where digital music and streaming services reign supreme, events like KroaKING bring back the joy and authenticity of live performances. They provide a platform for undiscovered talent and promote a sense of community amongst music lovers. KroaKING’s revival at the bustling Bangalore Airport signifies more than just a singing competition. It marks the rekindling of a beloved tradition, bringing music into the lives of people in its most organic form.
For many, KroaKING is not just about winning or losing; it’s about being part of a larger narrative, about sharing and experiencing the power of music. Carlton Braganza’s relentless efforts and passion for fostering musical talent have been the driving force behind this revival, resonating with every participant and spectator.
As the finalists gear up for the showdown, the air is thick with anticipation. Who will emerge as the KroaKING of 2024? As the city once again embraces its melodious roots, one thing is certain: the spirit of music and togetherness is alive and well in Bengaluru.
Published – September 27, 2024, 02:28 PM IST
The Hindu MetroPlus
