Renowned Sikh artist Dya Singh has launched his 20th album 'Sukhmani Sahib' he chose to launch this iconic contribution to the Sikh faith in Malaysia

The 2 CDs set is neatly packed with a Gutka of Sukhmani Sahib. A serene picture of Bhai Dya Singh on the cover, immersed in Naam Simran (meditative recitation of “Waheguru” the Wondrous Enlightener); totally exemplifies peace and equipoise.

His aim is to get this succinct message across to the listeners and contemplate on the Bani and Naam, the aukhadh (medicine) for all ailments, and to encourage recitation Sukhmani Sahib on a regular basis.
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Bhai Dya Singh’s inspiration came from his parents (Giani Harchand Singh Bassian and Madam Harminder Kaur) who nurtured him in the right family environment.  He inherited his father’s love and the gift of Sikh spiritual music.

He is originally from Taiping, Chinese word meaning “peace” and it is coincidental that this review is about Sukhmani Sahib, the Psalm of Peace. He completed his school education in Malaysia and spent 11 years in the UK studying and working as an accountant. In 1981, he decided to migrate to Australia with his wife, Jasbir  Kaur and Waheguru blessed them with three talented daughters with good vocals and interest in Gurbani Kirtan.

They have added sparkle to the soothing Kirtan appreciated by millions around the world. Bhai Dya Singh attributes his unique musical talent to his birth and formative years in a multi-faith Malaysia and to his parents, enlightened followers of the Sikh faith, and the multi-cultural opportunities that have come his way with the Grace of Akal Purukh (Timeless Being).

Dya Singh, the Malaysian Sikh singer and musician who now lives in Melbourne
will launch 'Sukhmani Sahib' album in four venues in the Klang Valley

"I choose to launch this labour of love in Malaysia, the country of my birth, because of the beauty of our multi-racial and multi-cultural togetherness," said the 59 year-old Raub-born Dya Singh, who also strongly supports the One Malaysia concept espoused by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Called 'Sukhmani Sahib' or "The Psalm of Bliss", it is the longest Sikh Morning Prayer comprising 24 stanzas or verses lasting about two hours.

"This prayer is never normally sung. But I have given it a new feel with my special brand of music because I want to reach out to more people, Sikhs and non-Sikhs," said Dya Singh, who is one of the most popular internationally renowned Sikh spiritual singers today.

The launch will take place at four Gurdwaras -- Tatt Khalsa at Jalan Raja Alang here (10am) and Gurdwara Sahib in Klang (7pm) on Saturday, and Darbar Sahib in Subang Jaya (7am) and Gurdwara Sahib Kampung Pandan (10.30am) on Sunday.

The event is being organised by the Naujawan Sabha Malaysia or Malaysian Sikh Youth Organisation.

The Malaysian Sikh Youth Organisation (Sikh Naujawan Sabha Malaysia) is a voluntary organisation which was officially formed in 1967. The first Gurmat Camp was held in 1963 to cater to the social and religious needs of Malaysian Sikh youth. What began as a small regional organisation, has today transcended into a body with national concerns and links. SNSM is focussed on parchaar and the Sikh community through the spread of the Guru's Way. Over the years, SNSM has successfully become the bloodline of Malaysian Sikh youth

The singer described his music as basically meditational with influences from his Sikh background.

"Yet it is non-denominational. Any human being can relate to it because it is broadly spiritual in nature. The fact that we have musicians from non-Sikh backgrounds complements that sentiment. My group has about 15 musicians from all different ethnic backgrounds. In fact, one of my percussionists was once a refugee from Afghanistan," he said.

In his current tour of Malaysia, his group includes Dheeraj Shrestha from Nepal, arguably one of the best tabla players in the world, Quentin Eyers one of Australia's finest guitarists (accoustic and electric) as well as in the didgeridoo, the oldest known musical instrument played by the Australian aborigines for the last 50,000 years, and supporting vocalist Jamel Kaur, who is also Dya Singh's eldest daughter.

Since 1993, Dya Singh and his group has been performing internationally and his music has gained much recognition because all his musicians are non-Sikh. His music has a contemporary fusion base, yet adhering to his Sikh traditions.

Two months ago, Dya Singh returned to Malaysia with Vic Briggs (now Vikram Singh), former lead guitarist of the 60's pop group, The Animals, and they walked from Kuala Lumpur to Melaka over six days to promote unity and the great outdoors of the country.

A fortnight ago, Dya Singh, who was named Australian World Music 'Vocalist of the Year' in 2000, staged a concert at Melbourne's Iwaki Auditorium to promote unity and harmony after the sudden backlash against Indian students in Australia.