3.01.10 - 5:00PM
- by
Drew Grant

Wilbur Sargunaraj -- Real Dude or Viral Product?

topic:
Music
Weird
Dancing

Today's biggest internet video comes from the hit "Love Marriage," an Indian pop song about not wanting an arranged marriage, from viral music sensation Wilbur Sargunaraj. But is it for real, or is Sargunaraj just a figment of some clever marketer's imagination?Here's the Love Marriage video for those who haven't seen it yet:

We hate to be so cynical, but this totally reminds us of last month's breakout musical geniuses, Die Antwoord. And they turned out to be a clever parody of South African rappers, not the real thing. (Not that that makes them any less entertaining.) So how do we know if Sargunaraj is the real deal? Well, there is his website, which is crazy enough to either be some genius Tim & Eric-style viral marketing, or the effort of one dedicated, design-blind individual. There are definitely some more music on there as well, including an "Official Concert Promotional Video."

According to his Facebook page (found by Brian Fairbanks over at Nerve.com), Sargunaraj lists his relationship status as "It's Complicated," which would certainly fit in with the theme of "Love Marriage." He's got a Canadian agent if you want to book him for your venue, but his official job is working at a call center in India. Which apparently leaves enough time in his schedule to make world-wide appearances.

So: real or fake you guys? And we mean this not in like "Is he a joking, Weird Al/Har Mar Superstar" musician/comedian, but does Wilbur Sargunaraj even exist? Or is he someone's Tony Clifton routine? And more importantly: does it change the way we feel about his rocking tunes?

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3.02.10

By Kev

Neutral

I did a whois search on Wilbur's domain and came up with the name Paul Benjamin. A quick Google search returned a Paul Benjamin from CBC Radio 3 who looks rather familiar.... raised in India no less.

3.02.10

By Emilio

Neutral

http://www.paulbenjamin.ca/

I guess hes trying to do the "Borat" thing.

3.02.10

By Jared

Neutral

I've actually seen Wilbur perform here in Saskatchewan, Canada, so I can confirm that he does indeed exist in all of his awkward glory. I have the strange pictures to prove it. I've met Wilbur once, and have seen Paul Benjamin perform a couple of times at the local Jazz Festivals. He and Wilbur are obviously acquainted, and it seems like Paul has been helping Wilbur Canada-side, thus the domain name stuff. Paul, however, has been living in Canada most of his life, and speaks perfect english. Seriously. What do you think he would be trying to market? What product would you imagine they are gearing up to sell you? Is Hair Club for Men trying to bring back mustaches? Or do you think they're trying to sell the lawnmower-engine taxi from the video? Rest assured, the man is real. Just like the music, or don't like it. You don't have to go all existential over it.

3.02.10

By Jared

Neutral

Oh, and you should look up his podcast series, called "Wilbur World Wide" from the itunes store or his site. His Michael Jackson tribute one was all kinds of awesome.

3.18.10

By Steven

Neutral

See also Wilbur and manager/friend Paul Benjamin together on the cover of Drums Etc magazine, December 2009: http://picasaweb.google.ca/globalbenjamin/MagazinesAndPress#5430740639448537746

3.18.10

By Steven

Neutral

Oh, and the same photo here on the photographer's flickr page: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lyndonsmith/4122591466/

3.18.10

By Takattacka

Neutral

I think he must be related somehow to Will Smith. You know, Pursuit of Happyness, except Wilbur has a better moustache. I wish I could grow a moustache like Wilbur!

3.21.10

By tweety bird

Neutral

I have had several interviews with the both of them. Both of them are in fact REAL (not the same person. Paul's music (if you've ever heard it) is quite distinct from Wilbur's. Wilbur's influences are more retro- techno than Paul's contemporary pop sound. Paul and Wilbur grew up in the same suburb in Madhurai that's how they know each other, and he serves as a translator for Wilbur in many of his interviews.

FYI, Wilbur no longer works as a call centre agent, and even when he did, he was a freelancer; making it possible for him to travel, write music and do his calls. And I agree with Jared, what has either Paul or Wilbur to market? They don't make massive amounts of money for their music. In fact, alot of their income goes to charity events.

I and several of his fans across the WORLD can advocate for his existence. Speak with him yourself and you'll see.