Legendary singer Kamahl releases biography with untold stories ahead of his 90th birthday
Legendary singer Kamahl won the hearts of millions across his 70-year career. But now for the first time, he details the scars he has been carrying.
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Exclusive: Legendary singer Kamahl has sold more than 20 million records worldwide, recorded more than 30 albums and earned more than 100 Gold and Platinum awards.
But behind a remarkable music career spanning 70 years was a young boy carrying deep wounds.
In his new biography, Kamahl: The Triumph of Hope, he reveals for the first time the sexual abuse he endured at the hands of three different adults by the age of 13.
“The worst was when I was abused by a married woman … for two years after that I hated all women entirely, including my mother and sister because I thought they could never be trusted,” he said.
“However, what happened to me has made me more tolerant of other people who have had failings.
“What matters most is I like to believe true love conquers all and that’s what I sing about and talk about.”
Born Kandiah Kamalesvaran to Tamil Hindu parents in Malaysia, Kamahl overcame a harrowing childhood under Japanese occupation, arriving in Adelaide in 1953 to complete his schooling.
Despite the challenges he faced, he rose to fame and became one of the first people to perform at the Sydney Opera House.
In his early years, Kamahl found an unexpected ally in Rupert Murdoch, who helped him avoid deportation under the White Australia policy.
Mr Murdoch encouraged Kamahl to move to Sydney, offered him work, and even housed him in his family home for two years while he launched his career.
“I had no experience, no confidence, not talent and yet I reached millions of people,” Kamahl said.
“My talent is a molehill or even something smaller than that, and yet somehow I’ve managed to make a mountain out of it.
“I also owe so much to Rupert’s generosity in those early days.”
And as he approaches his 90th birthday this Wednesday, Kamahl also reflects on two “unforgivable” moments that have left a lasting impact on his life.
Last month, he had an intimidation charge dismissed in court after he was accused of threatening a woman who called him a molester while repaying him a loan.
“That was the ultimate humiliation, being labelled a molester on a public document. It was the worst thing to happen to me,” he said.
“I feared being associated with other entertainers accused of horrific crimes — that’s why I lost my composure.”
Another painful episode in Kamahl’s life involved racist treatment on Hey Hey It’s Saturday, a popular TV show, where he was mocked and belittled multiple times. The worst of it came in 1984, when he was hit in the face with a powder puff during a performance, leaving him in “whiteface.”
Former Hey Hey It’s Saturday host Daryl Somers publicly apologised to Kamahl in 2021 over the racist sketches.
“Australia has come a long way since then and from all the racism I endured early on,” Kamahl said.
“All I have now is hope. Love is the most important thing and the greatest force in all its forms.
“My advice is to love what you do and to love others — compassion is something the world needs more of.”
Kamahl: The Triumph of Hope will be available from November 15.
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