The Indian Trinidadian radio broadcasting landscape mourns the passing of an icon in Sadro Mohammed. I pay tribute to this outstanding radio deejay broadcaster. Sadro ji was more than just a presenter; he was a cultural icon. He was well respected for promoting Indian music on radio and in live concerts. His program became a fabric of our lives. And it is not forgotten that he hosted numerous shows directly — concerts, seminars, workshops. His extensive contributions to stage hosting and even compering solidify his status as a cultural icon.
As friends and radio listeners bid farewell to this well known announcer, they should also reflect on the profound impact he had on shaping the landscape of Indian cultural musical broadcasting and entertainment. He has left behind a legacy of music culture that shaped local Indian radio, touching countless lives. His regular program helped to transform radio listening into a cultural phenomenon where listeners tuned in passionately to hear popular Hindi film, ghazal, religious, and chutney songs from around the region. He also engaged in commentary on the politics going back to when Basdeo Panday was PM. He curated his program with personal anecdotes and simple engaging open no holds barred commentary; he said how he observed the politics. He was a supporter of Panday and Kamla Persad Bissessar; he was pleased that she returned as PM a year ago after a ten year break of a very good term 2010-15.
Sadro is remembered not just for his distinctive frank voice, but as someone who brought a human side to radio presenting. His unique voice defined an era of radio in Trinidad. It was a charming, recognizable voice that created a unique bond with his audience. In many ways, his voice brought back memories of the late Eshri Singh of Guyana who Sadro and the Mohammed clan knew well having listened to the latter’s radio program. Listeners loved Sadro’s promoting of Hindi and other Indian music and discourse about politics, bringing together listeners from all walks of life. His music programs nurtured a sense of unity across Indians of all generations and religious background. And in so doing, he captured the hearts of many with his distinctive frank and warm presentation style.
He played diverse melodies — emotive lyrics, romance, sadness, serves as a timeless thread binding hearts across the nation. His hosting brought him enormous acclaim. He painted the airwaves with hues of nostalgia and joy with his selections. His songs were from iconic composers and singers of India and the Caribbean. With the songs he played, the program rose to cultural prominence.
Sadro is deserving of honors for for his unparalleled contribution to Indian Trini broadcasting. His legacy lives on through his program and the memories of a generation that listened to his sweet voice. His contribution to the soul of Indian radio will resonate in our hearts for a long time.