Not too long ago, when the city was still called Bangalore, its residents would enjoy live music and karaoke nights, one of the most beloved being Opus Kroaknights held on Sundays. These melodious evenings were brought to life by the charismatic host, Carlton Braganza, who has orchestrated a revival of those vibrant nights under the new banner of KroaKING.
The past five weeks have seen a transformation in the city’s music scene, as KroaKING, a highly-anticipated singing competition, took center stage. With an astounding number of about 400 participants vying for the title, the contest has captivated both participants and audiences alike. The grand climax is set for this weekend when 12 finalists will compete for a prestigious cash prize and the honor of being crowned KroaKING 2024.
Carlton Braganza, the brain behind this musical resurgence, shares the story of KroaKING’s evolution. “The idea for KroaKING sprouted from the Kroak matches I used to host at Opus on Sundays. What began as a modest competition kept growing year by year, eventually expanding to 10 cities with a grand finale in Bangalore, until it was paused a few years ago. However, with Bangalore Airport opening up to hosting events, we seized the opportunity to revive the idea and bring it back to life,” Braganza reflects.
The turnout has been nothing short of remarkable, with music enthusiasts from various walks of life participating. Taking place at The Quad by BLR at Bengaluru’s Terminal 1, the contest has witnessed an overwhelming response. “We’ve had close to 400 registrations over the last two months,” Braganza notes. “After five rounds of qualifiers, we are now in the semifinals with 12 participants,” he adds, underlining the intense competition that has unfolded.
The 12 finalists who will vie for the top spot come from diverse backgrounds—a testament to the universal appeal of music. Among them are a photographer, a seventh standard student, software developers, and music educators.
. This eclectic mix of talented individuals sets the stage for a riveting finale.
Adding to the excitement is an esteemed panel of judges, featuring well-loved names such as Nikhil Chinappa, Vasundhra Das, Grace Maureen, Brian Carvalho, and Niharika Parthasarthy, among others. “It’s wonderful to see previous Opus participants who have become industry giants and superstars now,” Braganza marvels. Highlighting the full-circle journey of previous contestants, he mentions Grace Maureen, the winner of the final season, who now occupies a judging seat, and a few others who have taken on mentorship roles.
The legacy of Opus’ singing alumni is evident, with prominent names like Sanam Puri, Aditya Jassi, Thomson Andrews, and notable Bengaluru artists such as Bryden Lewis, Behram Siganporia, and Mark Lazaro, having graced the stage in past years. Their success stories continue to inspire the next generation of performers.
In addition to the high-stakes competition, KroaKING also aims to foster talent through workshops on voice and performance. These sessions, organized in collaboration with The Harmony School of Music and BrandMusiq, promise to be valuable learning experiences for aspiring singers. Furthermore, a commemorative CD, produced in partnership with Streamphony Studios, will be unveiled during the finale, adding another layer of celebration to the event.
As the anticipation builds, all eyes are set on September 28th, when the grand finale of KroaKING will take place from 7pm onwards at The Quad by BLR in Terminal 1. The event promises a show-stopping conclusion to weeks of intense musical battles and is open to the public with free entry. Music lovers and supporters alike are sure to fill the venue, cheering on the finalists as they give it their all on stage.
The journey of KroaKING, from its roots in the beloved Opus Kroaknights to its current incarnation, has been a testament to the city’s rich musical heritage and continuous passion for music. “The community’s response has been heartwarming. Everyone is eager to see who will emerge victorious,” Carlton Braganza concludes, filled with both nostalgia and excitement for the future of KroaKING.
