Legendary Guyanese singer preserves heritage with her music

From just 8 years old, Sookrane Boodhoo knew it was her responsibility to maintain the musical heritage she grew to love. Now, she dedicates her life to preserving it and transmitting this to younger generations who share her passion.
In an interview with  Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, the artiste said that her formative years in singing began at the La Penitence Mandir, Middle Road. Hearing the kirtan  group singing at her mandir inspired her to join them.

“One day I finally gathered the courage to join the group. Gradually I started learning to sing. I soon managed to sing a song by myself and from then on I was doing hawans, religious songs, on the microphone. I then attended the Pandit’s Council where Bhai Shyam Basdeo was my teacher, and I took classes in singing there,” she recalled.
Developing her vocals, Boodhoo decided to join the Indian Cultural Centre to improve her talent. There she found her voice, developed herself as a singer and learnt the basics. The singer learnt the different raags, the modern Hindi pronunciation used by musicians, and later took part in the Melody Queen Competition held by the Guyana Pandits Council.
In the competition she chose two categories: ‘devotional’ and ‘classical’. This “remarkable experience” helped her to develop as a well-rounded singer.
“For that period of time my teacher was Mr Satpatty. In those days, for me to be a part of such a competition was a great privilege. I was the youngest contestant to participate. I appeared on stage first and placed third among thirty-one contestants,” she noted.
Boodhoo’s career in singing flourished and she began to sing with the Merrytones Band for about four years. In 1986, she married Neil Boodhoo and started a wonderful family of four children. Her daughter Roshini was crowned Miss Guyana India Worldwide 2011. Her other daughter Tahirih was also a participant in the competition. Boodhoo’s other children are Ravi and Shoghi.
Although engrossed with family responsibilities, Boodhoo continued to perfect her singing talent. She joined the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha and has been with the organisation for more than 12 years. She appears on all its shows including the Sabha’s ‘Naya Zamana’ and has been a regular judge of the Kala Utsav events. In 2003, she produced a CD, which was done in Canada and was dedicated to her parents. This was a dream come true for Boodhoo.

Blessed with pure talent in her art form, the singer always seeks to give back. She is a humanitarian who volunteers at homes for the elderly and orphanages, and has been involved with the work of the Inner Wheel Club and other charitable organisations.
“Currently, I’m a judge on the GT&T Bollywood Jingle & Song competition, which has been a privilege to encourage new, young and upcoming singers to pursue their goals and enthusiasm in singing. It is a way for me to pass on my knowledge and to guide and motivate these singers. My advice to them is to always appreciate their uniqueness, develop their skills, and be humble, discipline and dedicated. Also, to be constant and always believe in themselves, regardless of who else believes in them. They should never forget that they must sing for the love of it, for the enjoyment and appreciate the essence of true music. Music has a way of healing the soul and they should recognise that. I wish all singers the best, may they always remember to thank God and respect themselves,” she encouraged.