Come June 27-28, Randy Glasgow Productions (RGP) will stage a tribute concert to the late Sunday Popo at the Sundar Popo Auditorium, Southern Academy of the Performing Arts, San Fernando. The organisers are currently working on getting a government parliamentarian to make a guest appearance on both nights of the production.
The music of Sundar Popo lives on, not only through his own classic songs, but through the music of every chutney soca artiste of note today. Popo pioneered the genre and not only blended two cultural expressions, but also created a bridge uniting the people of this nation.
In a news release RGP said it will present a completely different show featuring fresh lineups on each night, allowing for a wider range of artistes to pay tribute to Popo and for patrons to enjoy just the kind of show they choose to.
RGP believes that had it not been for Popo there may not have been a Chutney Brass Festival, which is one of the biggest events of Carnival and produced by RGP, the release said. RGP wants to keep Popo's memory alive through this concert.
RGP is also doing extensive research on the life and music of Popo to produce an event worthy of him. Among the artistes expected to be a part of this tribute are Black Stalin who was a close friend of Popo's; reigning National Chutney Soca Monarch KI Persad; Raymond Ramnarine and Dil-e-Nadan; Anil Bheem; Drupatee; Kenneth Supersad; Rikki Jai; Shiv Shakti Dancers; Premala Dance Academy and Neval Chaitlal.
Jai, Persad and Ramnarine have already expressed their willingness, once they are available, to perform in the tribute to Popo who paved the way for them to enjoy the success they do today.
Sundar's long list of classic songs include the immortal Nana And Nani, A Mother's Love, Don't Fall In Love, Awe My Darling, Caroni Gyal and Tears In My Eyes.
The full cast and other details on the concerts will be revealed shortly.
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