Dear Editor,
I write in tribute to a notable West Indian Clyfee Madhu who recently passed away. A Trini, Mr. Madhu was very much a Guyanese fraternizing with them and engaging in so many activities beneficial to them over the last three decades. He transformed Guyanese entertainment from its remote existence to one which has gained prominence today. The NY Indo-Guyanese community has lost a great friend and cultural promoter.
The enormity of Clyfee’s contributions is too much to try and reflect upon. He was regarded as a part of the local entertaining landscape and held in high esteem by people at every level of society. He did much to promote Guyanese talent on radio and for that the Guyanese community is grateful. He broadcast Bollywood and local Indian music on the air at a time when no other station was doing so. Through the radio programmes, he also provided an update on events in Guyana.
Madhu was an early pioneer of West Indian immigration to NYC settling in NY in the early 1960s. He soon became involved in various cultural and social activities. He started several radio programmes broadcasting Indian music and emceed many cultural variety concerts. Soon, Madhu became the most known radio personality; virtually every Indo-Guyanese and perhaps non-Indians tuned into his four-hour programme every Sunday morning on WLIB, the West Indian radio station.
He hosted many Guyanese singing groups on his programme; chowtal groups were a regular feature during Phagwah celebrations. Pt. Oumadatt, Pt. Ramlall, and Haji Zakir made regular appearances on Sundays on his programme.
He aired birthday greetings and honoured requests for songs. He also introduced death announcements on the air in NY.
Madhu transcended social and religious barriers and strove for a better community for all. Although he was a church parishioner, he prayed in Masjids and temples with Guyanese. He attended celebrations of Eid, Diwali, Qurbani and all of the Hindu festivals.
In death, there was a flood of tributes from the political, cultural, religious, and artistic groups and community elders recognizing his pioneering role in promoting Indo-Caribbean music. He will continue to live in our hearts. It was his pioneering work that opened up space for a dozen Guyanese radio programmes in NY.
Yours faithfully,
Vishnu Bisram
