Man of calm, passion

He came from a distinguished musical family from Couva that included his late father, Isaac, an exponent of East Indian classical styles; his late brother Sharm; and his brother, Rakesh, a three-time National Chutney Monarch.

Yankaran’s offerings ranged from the devotional to the celebratory.

He offered up religious bhajans, such as the joyous yet contemplative, Pawan Putra Hanuman. His more festive songs included the up-tempo Nanda Baba, Bjola Bhola and particularly, Zindabad Trinbago which became an anthem of sorts for one popular local beverage.

With a calmly confident demeanour on stage, his voice was a perfect balance of gentle melody and clear diction, at times soaring as a kite bobbing on a breeze and at other times racing along to the galloping pace set by the accompanying tabla.

Many will cherish the calmness of his bhajans and the passion of his chutneys. He preserved ancient words and rhythms from village India that came to the Caribbean shores where he gave them new life to cross over to new audiences.

Having won national acclaim at a relatively young age with the award of the Chaconia Silver Medal in 1991, he began to tour overseas taking his hits like Nanda Baba and Jho, and in 2000, moved to New York where he was able to do collaborations to take his music even further afield to new audiences.

This work has surely benefitted Trinidad and Tobago by promoting the nation abroad, surely attracting hundreds of visitors over the years to attend the Chutney Monarch and Soca Chutney Competitions, a veritable mini-industry.

His contribution is recognised in the tributes that have begun to pour in.

Reigning Chutney Monarch, KI Persad, praised the help in the music industry given to him by Yankaran.

“So much could be said about him - his passion, his love for people and culture, his dedication to the art form, having hits after hits in the chutney arena,” effused Persad.

Culture Minister, Dr Nyan Gadsby- Dolly, said Yankarran’s music reflects the depths of TT’s local culture. “In addition to his golden voice, Mr Yankarran was a musician whose songs promoted the preservation of our nation’s East Indian heritage through instruments like the dholak, harmonium and tabla,” she said, “He helped to take chutney music across ethnicities and across our national borders.

We will forever remember his voice and the authenticity he brought to the industry.” Opposition Leader, Kamla Persad- Bissessar said, “He followed the Indian classical genre of music but was also attracted to the chutney style, which blended the best of East and West to become a unique musical style in TT.” She recalled that he was never shy about his art and when he performed he had audiences joining in and asking for more. “He had a unique style and was a gifted performer, and his passing has left a void in the culture of Trinidad and Tobago.” Persad-Bissessar hoped his music will continue to be enjoyed by future generations, and be a source of inspiration for youngsters.

We have no doubt at all that Yankaran’s family members, the music fraternity and his fan base in TT and abroad will indeed keep alive Yankaran’s legacy and will in fact build on his music. We salute him as a cultural icon. May he rest in peace.