Nancoo Singh (Ras)

Nancoo Singh, affectionately and famously known as “Ras” Nancoo Singh, was born in 1948 in the village of Rambert, South Trinidad, to Chan and Samdaye Singh. From humble beginnings and without any formal musical training, his natural talent and deep love for Indian music began to shine at an early age. In 1962, he embarked upon a singing career that would span decades and earn him admiration throughout Trinidad and Tobago and beyond.

His journey began performing Hindi film songs with the Sawan Bahar Orchestra. His distinctive voice and charismatic stage presence soon led him to collaborate with several prominent orchestras across the country, including the Dil-E-Nadan Indian Orchestra, the Mello Bugs Indian Orchestra, the D. Rampersad Indian Orchestra and the Zeetaz Indian Orchestra. With each performance, Ras Nancoo strengthened his reputation as a vibrant and dependable entertainer.

In his early years, Ras Nancoo was known for rendering the timeless songs of the legendary Mohammed Rafi. However, a pivotal moment came in 1975 when he joined the Gayatones Indian Orchestra under the leadership of the versatile Capil Gayadeen. Recognizing his vocal texture and range, Gayadeen encouraged him to explore the repertoire of the great Kishore Kumar, as the orchestra already featured two Rafi-style singers. This guidance proved transformative. Ras Nancoo’s renditions of Kishore Kumar’s classics resonated deeply with audiences, and he quickly became widely celebrated for his soulful and spirited interpretations.

Beyond the stage of orchestral performance, Ras Nancoo devoted many years to singing Bhajans and Kirtans, lending his voice in praise and devotion alongside various Pandits and religious groups. He was also a member of the accompanying group of Pandit Abhedanand Sharma, further demonstrating his commitment to spiritual and cultural expression through music.

Throughout his illustrious career, he shared the stage with many distinguished artistes, including Capil Gayadeen, Ramnarine (Tole) Moonilal, Bisram (Tatsil) Moonilal, Premchand Jagdeo, Sookdeo Jagdeo, Pandit Mahase Maharaj, Budram Holass, Pandit Sunil Basdeo, Narad Maharaj, Kailash Kowlessar, Dhanraj Singh, Nazimool Khan and numerous other accomplished performers. Whether at concerts, cultural shows, or religious gatherings, Ras Nancoo was known for always giving his very best, leaving audiences thoroughly satisfied and uplifted by his heartfelt performances. A devoted family man, he was also blessed with three sons, Andy Singh, Ryan Singh, and Ian Singh, each of whom followed in his musical footsteps and established themselves as respected singers, continuing the family’s artistic legacy.

On November 27th, 2019, Trinidad and Tobago bid farewell to this beloved son of the soil. The passing of “Ras” Nancoo Singh marked the end of an era, but his voice, warmth, and vibrant spirit remain etched in the hearts of his fans and the cultural fabric of the nation. His legacy lives on through his music, his family, and the countless lives he touched through song.

“Do you have a special memory captured on film or audio? Please email any photos, videos, or audio recordings you may have to hindisongstt@gmail.com. We are looking to preserve the many beautiful moments shared with the ever-popular “Ras”Nancoo Singh.”(Copyright Nisha Sharma 2026).