Dear Editor,
It is with profound sadness that I read of the passing of music legend and broadcaster Ayube Hamid. He was one of the most famous radio announcers of Guyana with a melodious voice that cannot be forgotten.
Today’s broadcasters are no comparison to that of the golden voice of Ayube of yesteryear. He had reached iconic status. Ayube-ji was the doyen of broadcasting in Guyana.
I, like so many others, grew up listening to the veteran broadcaster since infancy. In many ways, he shaped our appreciation for music and lured us into a musical culture. He was for decades the heart of music (especially Indian Bollywood) in our country dominating the airwaves with his melodious voice.
His musical achievements were amazing. He had a command over the spoken language and his announcements sounded like he was addressing each listener individually. He took listeners through a beautiful lane of Hindi film music in his own inimitable style, one that was unique with no comparisons.
I never met Shri Ayube Hamid, but was told that he was simple and humble and had deep respect for other humans regardless of race or religion. I only know of him through his radio programme ‘Indian Memory Album’ which attracted a large audience including many non-Indians.
People would send their birthday greetings and musical requests to him and become overjoyed when they were read on radio and their favourite songs aired. He became one of the most imitated voices in the country.
Many Africans listened to him and appreciated his music as well as his talent, and spoke glowingly of him.
He made everyone feel like they were part of the programme, especially when he announced “Bhaiyo aur Behno” (Brothers and Sisters) − magical words that bring fond memories of listening to golden oldies play back music from Lata, Asha, Kishore, Talat Mahmoud, Rafi, Kalyanji and Anandji – music which older folks of all races enjoyed. No other programme had achieved such distinction.
Thank you Ayube for six decades of broadcasting. We will miss you enormously!
Yours faithfully,
Vishnu Bisram
