"She carves a new genre" - Music News UK Joelle Charan strives to contribute to the healing of Indian-Surinamese collective injury by fusing east and west in her musical style. Following the example set by her parents, who blended eastern and western ideals in their home, she hopes her music will help to break the cycle of prejudiced attitudes which are still too prominent in today’s society.
“My latest single is meant to be a message of hope. Sometimes it’s better to just fall and start over, no matter how fragile you are. To break and learn to heal after the blow. I myself felt very fragile writing this song, turning imperfection into a piece of music I hope listeners will enjoy hearing.”
Born and raised in Amsterdam to a Catholic mother and a Hindu father, Joelle is empowered by her mixed heritage and religions. Her father is a descendant of indentured labourers from northwest India who worked under harsh conditions in Suriname following the abolition of slavery. Joelle has reclaimed the surname ‘Charan’ after her family’s original surname, 'Goercharan', was misspelled by a municipal official as 'Goercharn' upon their arrival in Amsterdam from Paramaribo, Suriname. With its correct spelling, ‘Charan’ means feet of the Lord, a name of honour which she celebrates in her identity and music.
Despite being raised in an open-minded home, Joelle recalls being bullied by her classmates who thought her skin had been painted on and mocked her for not eating beef. As a child she received an official letter in front of her mostly white peers, which informed her of her allochtoon status due to her father having been born in Suriname, outside of the Netherlands.
The Dutch government has since stopped using the term which carries negative connotations of lower status, poor education and involvement in crime, but its legacy is yet to be overcome. She responds by fusing her heritage into her sound, bringing ancient Indian instruments into a modern context.
In recent years, Joelle was held in custody at a US airport on the basis that she has a “different” surname. She responds with defiance, fusing her culture into her sound and bringing ancient Indian instruments into a modern context. Fascinated by the enduring spiritual and disciplined lifestyle of Indian musicians, she seeks a sound that emulates this healing and mystical quality.
Joelle Charan is no longer trapped by the injustices of her family’s past. She feels blessed by her heritage. Reclaiming her name and integrating Indian sounds into her music, she pays tribute to her Indian roots and is free to dream of her future.
