Sundar Popo: The Father of Chutney Music in Trinidad and Tobago

Sundar Popo: The Father of Chutney Music in Trinidad and TobagoPublished on Monday, September 1, 2025, at 08:00 AM IST
Today, we honor Sundar Popo, the legendary "Father of Chutney Music," whose soulful voice and innovative spirit transformed the musical landscape of the Indo-Trinidadian community.Early Life and Background

Sundar Popo was born on September 4, 1943, in Monkey Town, Barrackpore, Trinidad, to a family of Indian descent, part of the indentured labor diaspora that arrived from India between 1845 and 1917. Growing up in a rural community, he was immersed in the folk traditions of Bhojpuri and Awadhi music, sung by women during weddings and rituals. His early exposure to the harmonium, dholak, and dhantal shaped his musical foundation. Despite limited formal education, Popo’s talent emerged as he began composing songs inspired by his surroundings and cultural heritage, laying the groundwork for his future success.Rise to FamePopo’s breakthrough came in 1969 with the release of Nana and Nani, a heartfelt tribute to his grandparents, recorded with producer Moean Mohammed. This song, blending traditional Indian melodies with Caribbean rhythms, marked the birth of modern chutney music. Released by Hummingbird Records, it gained widespread popularity, earning him the nickname "The King of Chutney." His 1970 album Sundar Popo Sings His Hits further solidified his status, featuring hits like Phulouri Bina Chutney Kaise Bani?. His unique style, combining Bhojpuri lyrics with English and local themes, resonated with the Indo-Trinidadian community and beyond.Musical Contributions and Style

Sundar Popo revolutionized chutney music by merging Indian folk traditions with calypso and soca influences, creating a genre that appealed to diverse audiences. His use of the harmonium and dhantal, alongside his smooth vocals, brought authenticity to songs about love, family, and social life. Notable tracks like Scorpion Gyul and My Darlin’ showcased his versatility, blending humor with romance. Popo’s work bridged generations, performed at weddings, festivals like Divali, and Carnival, making chutney a mainstream sound in Trinidad and Tobago by the 1980s.Legacy and ImpactPopo’s influence extended internationally, with performances in the Caribbean, North America, and India, earning him accolades like the Humming Bird Medal (Gold) in 1995 from the Trinidad and Tobago government. He mentored artists like Rikki Jai and Drupatee Ramgoonai, shaping chutney’s evolution. His death on May 2, 2000, at age 56, after a heart attack, was mourned widely, but his music lives on. The annual Sundar Popo Day, celebrated on September 4, honors his legacy with concerts in Barrackpore.Top Sundar Popo SongsBased on available information and the cultural impact of Sundar Popo's work as the "Father of Chutney Music" in Trinidad and Tobago, the following list ranks his top 10 most popular songs from most popular to least. Popularity is inferred from historical significance, frequent mentions in media, live performances, and their influence on the genre, as no definitive sales data exists for all tracks.

1. Nana and Nani
   • His 1969 breakthrough hit, blending Bhojpuri and English, revolutionized chutney music with its storytelling about his grandparents.
2. Phulouri Bina Chutney Kaise Bani?
   • A 1970s classic that humorously explores local food culture, later gaining fame through Bollywood’s Dabangg 2.
3. Scorpion Gyul
   • Known for its playful lyrics about love and a scorpion sting, this song became a chutney favorite in the 1970s.
4. My Darlin’
   • A romantic track from the 1970s, showcasing his ability to merge Indian melodies with Caribbean flair.
5. Oh My Lover
   • Featured on Greatest Hits Vol. 2 (2000), this song’s emotional depth made it a popular choice among fans.
6. Don’t Fall in Love
   • A widely recognized track, noted on platforms like Last.fm, reflecting his smooth vocal style.
7. Caroni Gyul
   • A tribute to a local girl, this song from his early catalog highlights regional pride.
8. Chadar Bichawo Balma
   • A rapid-fire Bhojpuri duet, famously incorporated into Amitabh Bachchan’s live medleys in the 1980s.
9. Raat Kay Sapna
   • From Greatest Hits Vol. 2 (2000), this dreamy song added a lyrical variety to his repertoire.
10. Tears in My Eyes
    • Another track from Greatest Hits Vol. 2, known for its heartfelt expression, rounding out his top hits