Sitar Maestro Strikes a Chord in Life and Music

A Laid-Back Philosophy to Life

PETALING JAYA: Sitar virtuoso Samuel Dass has a laid-back philosophy to life: “Whatever has to come to you, it will somehow come to you. So, take life easy and don’t stress about anything.”

A Five-Decade Musical Career

This unconventional view has guided the Klang-born musician through his five-decade musical career with the sitar. While some might call his view naive, the 56-year-old credits it for his enduring success. Samuel remains one of Malaysia’s top classical musicians, with numerous albums, sold-out concerts, and accolades under his belt.

Accolades and Recognition

In 2006, he won seven gold medals and a silver at the World Championship of Performing Arts in Hollywood. And early this year, he received the 2024 Dr Ambedkar Award from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

A Fusion of Traditional and Modern Music

These days, Samuel is gearing up for “SwarAsia: The Malaysian Wave”, a concert on Nov 17 at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas. He will headline alongside legendary singer Zainal Abidin, blending traditional Malaysian instruments with modern genres. This fusion style has become Samuel’s trademark.

His Journey as a Sitarist

Samuel’s music journey began at the age of five, when his father Jabamalai Dass, a sitarist with RTM during the 1960s and 70s, gave him a child-sized sitar as a gift. However, serious lessons started at the age of seven, and Samuel had to face a strict teacher who was also suffering from cancer.

Samuel recalled that his father was a nice person, but when it came to music, he was like a man in a trance. He was also very strict, and Samuel used to get a lot of beatings. His father even wrote to his school, excusing him from extracurricular activities so he could focus only on music. Sports were also off-limits.

Nurturing the Next Generation

This sense of nurturing others stems from Samuel’s own upbringing, where family played a key role in shaping his music. In 2014, he founded his non-profit school Swara Community Arts Centre in a quiet PJ neighbourhood as a way to pass the tradition of Indian arts and culture to younger generations.

Conclusion

Samuel Dass has led an illustrious career, having performed all over the world with renowned musicians. In Malaysia, he remains an influential figure. He hopes that musicians will embrace both freedom and tradition, finding their own paths while staying rooted in the craft’s origins. After all, striking this balance has been key to his own success.

FAQs

Q: What is your philosophy on life and music?

A: “Whatever has to come to you, it will somehow come to you. So, take life easy and don’t stress about anything.”

Q: What is your most favourite part of Deepavali?

A: Spending time at my aunt’s house eating thosai and idli. “That’s the best thing about the festive season: getting together with family.”

Q: How do you balance tradition and modernity in your music?

A: I believe in embracing both freedom and tradition, finding my own path while staying rooted in the craft’s origins.

Q: What are your upcoming projects?

A: I am gearing up for “SwarAsia: The Malaysian Wave”, a concert on Nov 17 at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas, alongside legendary singer Zainal Abidin, blending traditional Malaysian instruments with modern genres.

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