MEET ANJELY RAJKUMAR
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
1. Who is Anjely Rajkumar?
Anjely Rajkumar is a 20-year-old singer from Trinidad who has dedicated over a decade of her life to music. For her, music is more than a passion — it is a way of life and a profound expression of culture. She has received formal training in Hindustani vocals under her Guruji, Dr. Kamla Dhyani, at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute. Alongside her musical journey, Anjely is currently pursuing a degree in Education at the University of the West Indies. Her path has been one of continuous growth, marked by performances and national recognition as she evolves as both a student and performer of this beautiful tradition.
2. Where is she from, and where does she currently reside?
Anjely is originally from, and continues to reside in, Bejucal, Cunupia, Trinidad. It is here that her love for music first took root and continues to flourish.
3. How would she describe herself, not just as a singer, but as a person?
As a person, Anjely is passionate, disciplined, and deeply connected to her cultural heritage. Music has taught her patience, humility, and the value of lifelong learning. Beyond singing, she places great importance on education, tradition, and service to others—qualities that also shape her approach as an aspiring educator. She strives to remain grounded, grateful, and open to growth in every aspect of life.
4. When did her journey with music begin?
Anjely’s musical journey began in childhood, singing bhajans alongside her late paternal grandfather, Narine Rajkumar, as he played the bansuri and harmonium. These early experiences instilled in her a deep appreciation for Indian classical music. Her training further developed under the guidance of Madho Mohan at the Warren Road Shiv Mandir and later at the Bharatiya Vidya Sansthaan, where she studied raagas and Hindi with Dr. Varsha and Varuna Parsan.
5. Was there a specific moment or memory that made her realize she loved singing?
Yes. A defining moment came when Anjely won her very first singing competition at age 8 at the Bharatiya Vidya Sansthaan. She performed a bandish in Raag Bilawal, and the experience gave her a tremendous sense of accomplishment and joy. It was the first time she felt the power of music not only as enjoyment but as a medium for self-expression. That early win gave her the confidence and motivation to pursue music seriously.
SEEDS OF DEVOTION
HOW HOME, CULTURE, & MENTORSHIP SHAPED HER
6. Did anyone in her family or community influence or support her interest in music growing
up?
Anjely’s parents, Madho and Kavita Rajkumar, have been unwavering pillars of support throughout her journey. Their encouragement helped her pursue formal training and participate in numerous competitions. Her grandfather’s musical influence and the cultural richness of her community also played key roles in nurturing her passion.
7. Were there any musical activities she participated in as a child—school concerts,
competitions, religious or cultural events?
From a very young age, Anjely participated in various musical activities, both in school and through community and national competitions. An early highlight was when she and her sister, Shanta, represented Monroe Road Hindu School in the Baal Vikas competition hosted by the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha, where they placed first in the local classical category. In secondary school, she proudly represented Saraswati Girls’ Hindu College and the Upper Level Educational Institute in the biannual Secondary Schools Sanskritik Sangam competition, securing first place in the local classical category three times: 2019, 2021, and 2023. She also earned second place in the Individual Vocal Senior category, first place in the Shaastriya Sangeet Vocal Senior category, and was awarded Most Outstanding Student. Outside school, Anjely won the Mere Desh Local Classical Singing Competition in 2019, placed third in Children of Mastana in 2022, came second in the 2023 Independence Classical Singing Competition, and most recently won Mastana Bahar in 2024. These experiences have deeply shaped her musical journey.
8. Does she come from a musical family or background?
Although her family is not professionally musical, music has always been central to their lives. Her grandfather’s bhajan sessions and her parents’ support created a nurturing environment that allowed her musical talent to thrive.
9. How did she start developing her vocal skills? Did she take formal training or is she self taught?
Anjely’s vocal development began informally, singing bhajans and devotional songs with her grandfather. These early experiences introduced her to melody and rhythm rooted deeply in Indian classical tradition. Recognizing the need for structured learning, she pursued formal training in Hindustani vocals under Dr. Kamla Dhyani at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute. This formal education has been instrumental in mastering the nuances of Indian classical music, including raagas, taals, and voice modulation, all of which she incorporates seamlessly into her local classical style.
10. What were some of the first songs or styles she was drawn to as a singer?
Anjely was initially drawn to bhajans and devotional songs steeped in Indian classical tradition. She also developed a strong affinity for local classical compositions by legendary artists such as Dev Bansraj, Solo Girdharie, and members of the Yankarran family. The fusion of Indian classical vocal techniques with local classical music forms the foundation of her unique style.
TRADITION REIMAGINED
FACING ADVERSITY, FINDING PURPOSE, FUELING PASSION
11. Who are her musical influences or the artists she looks up to?
Anjely’s local influences include Dev Bansraj, Solo Girdharie, and Anand Yankarran—artists whose mastery of Indian classical elements within local classical music has significantly shaped her artistic approach. Her Guruji, Dr. Kamla Dhyani, remains a guiding force in her musical development. Internationally, she is inspired by Kishori Amonkar for her emotional expression and raag based singing, Shreya Ghoshal for her vocal control and versatility, and Arijit Singh for his emotive style and genre-bridging abilities. These artists motivate her to stay rooted in classical traditions while exploring new dimensions in her music.
12. What has her experience been like as a young female artist in today’s music scene?
Anjely’s experience as a young female artist has been both rewarding and eye-opening. While there is growing appreciation for young talent in preserving traditional forms like local classical music, the field remains largely male-dominated. She has worked diligently to prove that age and gender do not limit one’s ability to perform at a high standard. Fortunately, she has had the support of mentors and well-wishers who have helped her grow and navigate the industry with confidence.
13. What challenges has she faced—personal, cultural, or industry-related?
One of Anjely’s greatest challenges has been balancing her academic life with her musical pursuits. Studying for a degree in Education at UWI while remaining committed to music requires constant discipline and time management. Culturally, she observes limited appreciation for local classical music among mainstream audiences, particularly younger generations, which motivates her to preserve and promote the art form. She also acknowledges the presence of nepotism in the industry. At times, recognition and opportunities seem to favor those with connections rather than talent and dedication. Despite this, Anjely remains committed to building a name for herself based on merit and passion.
14. How does she stay motivated and inspired?
Anjely’s motivation is rooted in her deep love for music. Every raag she learns and every performance she delivers brings her closer to something greater than herself. She stays inspired by transforming traditional bhajans into local classical renditions, allowing her to innovate while staying true to her roots. She is also uplifted by encouragement from her family and fellow musicians. Being part of a community of passionate artists provides a constant source of growth, support, and shared purpose. Even in difficult moments, she reminds herself that every note she sings is part of a
bigger journey, which keeps her moving forward.
15. What role does music play in her everyday life, beyond performing or recording?
Music is intricately woven into Anjely’s everyday life—it is not simply something she performs but something she lives. It provides a space for emotional expression, connection to heritage, and inner peace. Whether practicing, reflecting on a composition, or simply listening, music brings structure and comfort to her day. It is her identity, her form of meditation, and her way of connecting with the divine and the world around her.
HER SOUND, HER STORY
FROM INNER TRUTH TO OUTTER IMPACT
16. What message or feeling does she aim to convey through her music?
Through her music, Anjely seeks to convey devotion, cultural pride, and emotional authenticity. Whether performing a bhajan or a classical piece, she strives to share the spiritual essence and richness of tradition. Her goal is to bridge the traditional with the contemporary while preserving the emotional core of her art.
17. How does she hope her audience feels when they hear her voice?
Anjely hopes her audience experiences a genuine emotional connection—whether through peace, nostalgia, inspiration, or spiritual upliftment. She wants listeners to feel transported and touched by something that lingers long after the performance ends. If her voice can bring comfort, inspiration, or a deeper connection to heritage, then she feels she has succeeded.
18. What are her dreams or goals as an artist, both short-term and long-term?
In the short term, Anjely is focused on refining her vocal skills through dedicated riyaaz and training. She also aims to create more local classical renditions of bhajans and contemporary pieces to make the genre more accessible.
Long-term, she hopes to serve as a cultural ambassador for local classical music—representing Trinidad and Tobago on international stages while preserving the authenticity of its Indian classical roots.
19. What impact does she hope to make in the music world or in the lives of young girls like
herself?
Anjely hopes to show young girls, especially those from small communities like hers, that dreams are valid and achievable with dedication, faith, and hard work. She wants her voice to inspire and empower others. If her journey can encourage even one young girl to pursue music or embrace her cultural identity with pride, then she feels her mission is fulfilled.
20. What does singing mean to her on a deeper level, beyond being a talent or passion?
For Anjely, singing is a sacred form of connection—it is her prayer, her identity, and a way to express what words often cannot. It is more than a skill; it is a spiritual experience that grounds her in her culture and elevates her soul. Singing is her truth, her healing, and the purest reflection of who she is. If her musical journey could be summed up in one phrase, it would be a journey of faith, rhythm, and resilience.