Paul Sookhai

Paul Sookhai was a distinguished and much-loved vocalist whose voice and presence placed him in a class of his own. Hailing from Avocat in South Trinidad, West Indies, he developed an early and abiding love for Indian film music, inspired largely by the legendary Mohammed Rafi. Deeply moved by Rafi’s divine tone and emotional expression, Paul gravitated towards his repertoire, rendering those timeless songs with heartfelt sincerity, passion, and remarkable feeling.

His fascination with Indian melodies blossomed during youthful outings to the cinema with friends and from listening to classic songs on the airwaves. Those experiences shaped his musical sensibilities and ignited a lifelong devotion to singing. Blessed with a naturally captivating voice, Paul soon earned recognition within the local music fraternity.

It was Ramdeo Seelochan, leader of the Gemini Orchestra, who first recognized Paul’s exceptional talent and invited him to join the band. From that moment, Paul began winning the admiration of audiences wherever he performed. His stage presence was calm yet commanding, and his ability to connect emotionally with listeners made every performance memorable.

He later joined the popular Acme Dil-E-Nadan Orchestra, where his reputation flourished even further. During his ten-year tenure with the band, he toured Guyana and Canada, delighting diaspora audiences and strengthening his standing as one of Trinidad and Tobago’s respected Indian vocalists.

Over the years, Paul shared the stage with many outstanding artistes, including Ramnarine (Tole) Moonilal, Bisram (Tatsil) Moonilal, Karamchand Maharaj, Dhanraj Singh, Nazimool Khan, Robin Ramjitsingh, Farouk Baksh, Ralph Rampersad, Hasib Majid and numerous other accomplished performers. He was also the proud maternal uncle (Mamoo) of popular singer Dhanraj Singh, sharing with him not only family ties but a deep love for music.

Despite his growing popularity, Paul remained humble, gracious, and deeply respectful of his audiences. He always gave his very best on stage, leaving listeners with a sense of joy and fulfillment long after the final note had faded.

In the latter years of his life, Paul gradually stepped away from performing with orchestras and dedicated himself more fully to devotional service. He spent much of his time singing praises to God at Yagnas, Satsangs, and neighbouring Mandirs, offering his voice in spiritual surrender and gratitude.

Paul has since passed on, but his contributions to music and his community remain treasured. His voice, once so vibrant on stage and in prayer, continues to echo in the hearts of those who knew and admired him.

“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 talented Paul Sookhai.” (Copyright Nisha Sharma 2026).