Heritage and Harmony: The Musical Journey of Vishal Joosery

Diaspora

By Kishore Teelanah

Second-generation Mauritians in the UK are British-born children of Mauritian parents, including those from mixed marriages. This narrative, drawn from interviews with hundreds of these children and observations over three decades, highlights their deep connections to Mauritius and its culture. These children actively engage in various cultural and social events alongside their families, enriching their understanding of their heritage. Their experiences in education and the workplace reflect years of adaptation and growth.

This image showcases Vishal and his partner, Yasheena Raghoonundun, advocating for women’s empowerment and charity work at banqueting events at Chennai Spice in London. Pic courtesy of Vishal Joosery

Many of their parents arrived in the UK during the 1960s and 1970s, with some migrating as early as the 1950s to pursue nursing careers. As the Mauritian community grew, many formed families with Mauritian brides and individuals from diverse backgrounds, including British whites. Strong cultural ties and family bonds lead them to frequently travel to Mauritius to visit grandparents and other relatives, fostering a lasting affection for the island and often prompting reflections on why their parents left.

The influence of their parents’ upbringing and their grandparents has significantly benefitted these British-born children. These elders instilled pride and encouraged academic and professional excellence, aware that their own opportunities had been limited. Remarkably, second-generation Mauritians have often outperformed the white majority in the education system, despite typically coming from less advantaged backgrounds (Platt and Zuccotti, 2021). However, upon entering the workforce, they face challenges: many are less likely to secure employment, and some ethnic groups struggle to attain managerial and professional roles compared to their white counterparts.

I first encountered Vishal Joosery during a performance at a restaurant, immediately captivated by his talent. He struck me as a professional Bollywood singer with an exceptional voice, entertaining his audience with both Bollywood and English songs. For the past ten years, Vishal has served as an Executive Concierge for Sheikh Mohamed, the King of Dubai, after previously managing night shifts at the Think Hotel group. Following his GCE ‘O’ levels, he completed a two-year Diploma in Business.

Vishal is married and has two children — a 30-year-old son and a 23-year-old daughter. In 1991, he moved to Mauritius, where he launched a business called Planet Bollywood, opening a nightclub and record shop that operated until 2000. Leveraging his musical background, he sold tapes and later CDs. After returning to the UK in 2001 at the age of 30, he decided to shift his career focus.

Inspired by his uncle, a singer, Vishal began promoting events on Facebook, where he received enthusiastic support from fans, encouraging him to pursue singing more seriously. He gained traction and began holding regular performances every Friday at Chennai Spice restaurant in Enfield, London, where he has performed for the last decade.Read More… Become a Subscriber

Mauritius Times ePaper Friday 1 November 2024