Matt Hewson
Music has always been a part of Angie Narayan’s life.
Growing up in a Fijian family living in Sydney, music was a constant, whether it was at church, singing along with Rage on Saturday mornings, or listening to LPs on the family record player.
“Being Fijian, music is very ingrained into our culture,” Narayan said.
“Singing is always part of our family gatherings, but it was really at church where I started singing.
“Music was my escape. I was a very reclusive, shy little girl, so it was my expression, my opportunity to say what I wanted to say through song.
“It’s funny, because it’s not a career path I chose; I feel like it chose me. Being on stage for over 20 years, performing to audiences all over the world, has taken me out of my shell. It’s been an integral part of my life and I think it’s released me to be a confident woman.”
One of Narayan’s childhood idols, alongside Patti LaBelle and Whitney Houston, was Aretha Franklin.
She now stars in Respect: the Aretha Franklin Story, a show taking all of Franklin’s greatest hits – and more than a few classic B sides – and weaving them through the story of the Queen of Soul’s life.
“The end goal for us was that people would not only know Aretha’s music but really get the essence of who she was,” Narayan said.
“She stood up for civil rights, she grew up in an era of extreme discrimination, so she had to power through. She reinvented herself, she broke some incredible records and she really paved the way for female singers today.”
Respect has been touring since 2019, performing around Australia and across the world.
Narayan said Franklin’s music and story never failed to resonate with audiences.
“Like everybody, Aretha went through her triumphs and tragedies and we want to take people on that journey,” she said.
“I think the most invigorating thing about doing the show is that we leave people inspired. They leave that building inspired, happy, full of joy.
“I always call Act Two the party side; everyone’s getting up and dancing and really enjoying it. It’s lovely seeing total strangers connect in the audience as well, because the songs just bring people together.”
Respect: the Aretha Franklin Story is at GAC on Sunday, August 18.
