Dear Editor,
Friday 9th February, 2024, Guyana lost yet another great son of the soil, the late and talented singer, Mohan Nandu, who mesmerized Guyanese with his baritone voice and nasal tone, dating back to the late fifty’s/early sixty’s. A popular resident of Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara, his sensational voice excited and soothed thousands throughout the length and breadth of Guyana, flowing across Suriname, traversing the Caribbean and crashing in North America.
Admired and respected by professionals, he earned the adoration and applause of many great singers from his ancestral land, India, having sung alongside them. The winner of countless competitions, his vocal cord enthralled his fans with the classical, sentimental and devotional melodies of all the Indian songsters, his favourite being Mukesh Ji. An unsung cultural hero, his selfless and priceless contributions toward the musical arena, community, charity, cultural shows, fund-raising events and religious functions, will leave an indelible mark as a legendary singer, an unfulfilled vacuum that will certainly be missed.
Like others, such great artistes are left discarded by society and become dependent in their golden years. His neighbour, an Afro Guyanese, remained his heart and soul until his last breath, taking care of his needs and wants, pampering his whims and fancies and attending to him like a genuine friend and bosom brother. Swami Aksharananda from SVN and other members have been of invaluable and immeasurable assistance to Mohan Ji’s challenging days. Mohan Nandu will not be forgotten and will be remembered as a cultural icon who contributed towards the preservation, upliftment and sustenance of Indian customs and traditions.
Sincerely,
Jai Lall
