Small in age, big on talent

When most kids were wishing for gifts and new clothes this holiday season, 8 boys from the city, ranging in ages from 10-15, have formed a band, which can safely be called the youngest in the city.

The boy band, whose leader is all of 15 years old, was formed not very long before Christmas this year at the St. Thomas Church in Secunderabad. They are now so much in demand that they are being invited to other churches to perform.

Kevin, Joshua, Sam, Ryan, Rohan, Emmanuel, Blessy and Athiban, who have known each other since many years, first met during Sunday School. A committee member of the church, Sam Manawalan, recognised their talent and suggested the idea of a band. The kids were so enthusiastic that they would turn up well in advance for practice.

10-year-old Kevin, a vocalist with the band, is now learning to play the keyboard. “My father has been a huge influence. Every day when I get back from school, he personally makes me practice. That’s how my interest grew,” he says.

Some of them, like Sam on the guitar, Rohan on the keyboard and Emmanuel on the drums, have learnt to play the instruments earlier, while a few others are still learning. Yet, together, their music and songs are stunning.

The members of the band usually perform carols or gospel songs in churches, but they plan to sustain the band for long and want to take their performances outside the church too.

The one true love that the boys share apart from music is sports. While some play football, others swear by cricket. “Whenever we meet up for practice, we don’t leave for our homes without playing some football,” says Ryan, one of the vocalists.