In Memoriam ...
|
 |
|
Sundar Popo, four-time Indian Cultural Pageant Winner, and Black Stalin were friends for over 30 years. In 1995 Stalin won the National Calypso Monarch title with "Tribute to Sundar Popo".
Sat Maharaj, Secretary General of the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha, after a visit to India earlier this year, said he found Sundar's music was classic fare but he received little credit for his contribution. Almost everyone knew the classic song, "Phulowrie Bin Chutney" introduced by the popular Kanchan and Babla, but did not know Sundar Popo.
In 2000, although everyone knew he was sick, his death still came as a shock. Planning a benefit concert to raise funds for his dialysis treatment changed rapidly into planning his funeral.
Fortunately a man's life continues in the music he has created, and so we find solace in the treasure trove left behind by Sundar Popo. As no less a person than Stalin noted, "Sundar was a great, great man of music. Sundar was a good man, easy-going and friendly. I will miss the brother."
