Introducing at Due Drop Events Centre, 21 February 2026
Malayalam FM’s band “Golden Era” brings to life the timeless melodies of Malayalam cinema, celebrating the cherished memories of Keralite migrants since the 1980s. Led by Yempee Antony, who moved to New Zealand in the 2000s, the band evokes nostalgia and reconnects the youth who left Kerala with the music of their roots. Their performances are a heartfelt tribute to the golden era of Malayalam film songs.
Golden Era - Musicians
Powered by outstanding instrumentalists, Golden Era delivers dynamic, engaging, and emotionally rich performances. These musicians bring technical brilliance and fresh energy to every song on stage.
Dunja Hassencamp
Pronounced “Duniya,” meaning “world,” her name reflects her talent. A versatile and hardworking flautist, she can adapt to any musical style with ease, delivering beautifully expressive performances across diverse genres and cultures.
Vishnu Sreekumar
A multi-talented musician from Christchurch, Vishnu is an extraordinary bass guitarist whose energy captivates audiences. Known for his teamwork and vibrant personality, he consistently delivers powerful performances that leave audiences amazed on every stage.
Heidi Lovatt
A gifted saxophone and clarinet player, Heidi is known for her precision, emotion, and elegance. She performs Indian classical pieces with ease, delivering complex musical expressions with remarkable clarity, discipline, and natural artistic grace.
Jerish Jose
A passionate musician from Napier, Jerish effortlessly switches between bass, lead, and rhythm guitar. His recent performance with MG Sreekumar’s New Zealand tour showcased his versatility, confidence, and dedication to musical excellence.
Prithvi Udaykumar
The youngest in the band, Prithvi is a talented drummer with exceptional achievements, including completing Grade 8 from Trinity College London. His award-winning performances reflect dedication, discipline, and limitless potential for musical growth.
Yempee Antony
A dedicated guitarist who has performed on numerous stages, Antony continually learns from fellow musicians. His deep passion for music and the strong encouragement he receives from the community keep him motivated and inspired.
Rony Jose
A self-taught keyboardist who plays with remarkable precision, Rony goes beyond recreating songs and albums. He composes original music as well, bringing creativity, depth and heartfelt expression to every performance he delivers.
Shivnesh Kumar
A trained "tabla" and "dolak" player, Shivy brings calmness and maturity beyond his years. His natural, effortless execution of complex rhythmic patterns creates the impression of a seasoned performer with deep musical understanding.
Maymol Antony
Maymol Antony is an exceptional organiser whose leadership keeps Golden Era running seamlessly. With outstanding management skills and calm coordination, she ensures every performance is smooth, professional, and truly memorable for both the team and audience.
Golden Era - Singers
Featuring some of New Zealand’s most talented Malayali singers and musicians, Golden Era brings the classics to life with unmatched skill, nostalgia, and emotion.
Ravi Muthu
An extraordinary singer who commands attention, Ravi delivers captivating performances on every stage. Having performed with artists from New Zealand and overseas, his unique personality and exceptional talent elevate every song he interprets.
Jayasree Sitaraman
A trained Carnatic vocalist, Jayasree impresses with her discipline and dedication. Every note she sings is clear, precise, and emotionally expressive, creating a delightful and immersive experience for audiences who cherish her sweet, captivating voice.
Hema Jesse
A seasoned vocalist with exceptional range, Hema has performed live with popular playback artists like Vineeth Sreenivasan and Vidhu Pratap. Her extraordinary voice delivers every song with passion, precision, and unforgettable artistry.
Gopal Nair
A former Idea Star Singer contestant, Gopal amazes audiences of all backgrounds. Trained in Hindustani Classical music, he also teaches, sharing his knowledge while delivering memorable performances that highlight his versatility and musical passion.
Reshma Raj
A melodious Carnatic-trained vocalist, Reshma sings with elegance, passion, and effortless charm. Her performances create an instant connection with audiences, proving that music transcends language and allows heartfelt expression to touch every listener.
Ricky KV
A brilliant singer from Hamilton, Ricky captivates listeners with his distinct voice quality. His nuanced interpretations of every song take audiences on a journey of emotion, rhythm, and melody, leaving lasting impressions with every performance.