Chutney icon Sundar Popo not only took local music into another dimension but opened doorways for many local artistes to develop their own musical talent.So said musicologist and sitar maestro Mungal Patasar on Easter Monday, during an interview with the T&T Guardian at the Heritage Sammelan, Debe Junction, Debe, which was held in honor of Sundar Popo.The event, which took the form of a concert to honour Sundar Popo, whose death anniversary will be marked on May 2, was held next to his statue at Debe Junction.
It featured performances from brothers Narendra and Shivanand Maharaj, Lily John, Anthony Batson, Pundit Krishendath Ramdhanie Sharma and Drupatee Ramgoonai.Sundar Popo, born Sunilal Popo Bahora, of Barrackpore, died in 2000 at the age of 57. He suffered from kidney failure.Patasar said Sundar Popo was still regarded as a pioneer of local music and his contribution to its development could not be forgotten as he laid the foundation for chutney music.
"He came at a juncture where he created a form to be followed by other younger people and that is how important he was," he said.Patasar said even though Sundar Popo became popular he still maintained his humility and that was one of the personality traits he remembered about him.He said, in reviewing Sundar Popo's contribution to local music, the chutney icon created a shift in the musical style in T&T.
Patasar admitted he was not expecting younger local artistes to follow Sundar Popo's music but to improve upon what he created."However," he said, "that is where the problem lies. I am not seeing improvement in what he has done. What I am seeing in the music is that it is getting more and more electronic which does not require any skill."Ramgoonai, told the T&T Guardian that Sundar Popo should be given more prominence for his contribution and she was pleased that such an event was held to honour "a great artiste."
She added: "He is an icon and will remain one. Even though he is gone his songs will never die. A Mother's Love is song every one does. Every Mother's Day you hear that song. His music keeps him alive," Ramgoonai said.John remembered performing with Sundar Popo at many concerts locally and abroad.Batson had the audience enthraled with his performance of Sundar Popo's hit, Nani and Nana, as it sounded almost like Sundar Popo in the original song.
The sammelan was hosted by Heritage Communications (Heritage Radio 101.7FM).