Lalita Ramnauth was born and raised in Guyana where, at a young age, she and her family discovered her natural talent for singing. Having moved to the United States from Guyana in 1992, she eventually relocated to Schenectady. Lalita possesses a large repertoire of music and traditional knowledge, influenced by the multiple heritages found in Guyana, including Amerindian, Indian, and Afro-Caribbean cultures. She sings religious, patriotic, and chutney music. Chutney music is so named after the Indian condiment, known for its “spice.” Chutney music is music for dancing and it is often accompanied by instruments such as the dholak (a drum), dhantal (a metal percussion instrument) and the harmonium (a portable organ). Lalita is a highly sought-after performer and teacher.
Lalita is a pillar of her community in Schenectady, NY. She has been a member of the Indo-Caribbean Federation of NYC for twenty years, and is instrumental part of the Caribbean Day Society of Schenectady. Lalita has been teaching youths and adults the art of singing for many years. She has visited many of the lemetary schools in Schenectady, where she uses music to teach students about the people, heritage, and natural wonder of Guyana.