
Bywah Bhola
Bywah Bhola (affectionately known as “Our Local C.H. Atma”)
Born on August 20, 1924, in Tulsa Trace, Penal, Trinidad, West Indies, Bywah Bhola was the cherished son of Mungarie and Bhola. At the tender age of seven, his family relocated to the nearby village of La Fortune, Woodland. As a young man, he later settled in La Fortune, La Romain, growing up amidst the vibrant heart of the sugar cane belt. Bywah dedicated many years of his life working for Caroni Limited at the La Fortune Estate until his well-deserved retirement.
C.H. Atma was Bywah’s profound idol, and it was from the melodies of 78 RPM records that he meticulously learned a vast repertoire of bhajans, geets, and ghazals. His innate talent soon led him to perform these beloved songs at local bars, farewell gatherings, and various stage shows, captivating audiences with his deep, resonant voice. Such was his striking vocal similarity to C.H. Atma that fans would often swear it was the legendary singer himself on stage.
Bywah’s exceptional raw talent, honed without any formal training, quickly earned him an invitation to join the esteemed Naijawan Orchestra from Debe South Trinidad led by the distinguished Amarnath Patasar, where he remained a treasured member for many years. His performances transcended local stages, taking him to audiences in Jamaica, Suriname, and Canada, where he continued to leave an indelible impression.
January 30, 2007, marked a somber day with the passing of this beloved icon. Bywah Bhola remains sadly missed by his countless fans across the globe. We are honored to present an audio sample of this great artiste’s voice from our library, for the continued listening pleasure of his many admirers. (Copyright Nisha Sharma 2025)