Sagar Sookraj

Munilal “Sagar” Sookraj stands among the most versatile and accomplished musical figures to emerge from Trinidad and Tobago’s vibrant Indian cultural community. Born on June 20, 1945, to Patiya and Sookraj, he grew up in the village of Campo, Cunupia, Central Trinidad, within a family deeply rooted in music and cultural expression. Sagar was the brother of three well-known and talented artistes, Bissoon Sookraj, Polly Sookraj, and Rajdai Sookraj, all of whom played significant roles in the local entertainment industry. Music surrounded him from the very beginning. At the tender age of six, his father began teaching him to play the harmonium, Dholak, and tabla, nurturing a talent that would soon blossom into a lifelong devotion to music.

From childhood, Sagar performed both as a solo artiste and alongside members of the Sookraj family, steadily developing his reputation as a gifted performer and musician. Over the years his musical journey took him far beyond the shores of Trinidad and Tobago, as he performed throughout the Caribbean, Europe, South America, and North America, sharing the rich traditions of Indian music with audiences across the world. Renowned especially for his mastery of the Dholak, Sagar perfected the delicate and powerful techniques required to accompany various forms of traditional music. He skillfully supported Indian Classical singing, Chowtaal, Jhoomar, Ulara, Bhajans, Qawalis, and many other styling for playing, displaying remarkable versatility and sensitivity as an accompanist. His deep understanding of rhythm and melody made him a highly sought-after musician within the cultural community.

One of the early highlights of his musical career came in 1962, when he had the honor of accompanying the great Indian Classical singer Jhagroo Kawal at the Port-of-Spain Town Hall during the Trinidad and Tobago Independence Day celebrations. It was a moment that reflected both his exceptional ability and the respect he commanded even at a young age. Throughout his life, Sagar remained deeply involved in the cultural life of the Indian community. He was a familiar and beloved presence at concerts, Mehfils, Weddings, and numerous traditional gatherings, where his performances were always warmly received. In addition to performing, he also shared his knowledge by teaching music and singing at several primary schools, including schools in Aranguez, Tunapuna, and St. Helena, as well as institutions within the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha school system, helping to inspire and nurture young talents.

Sagar Sookraj also had the rare privilege of accompanying several legendary artistes who visited Trinidad and Tobago from India, including Hari Om Sharan, C.H. Atma, Manna Dey, and the inimitable Mukesh. Within the Caribbean, he performed alongside and supported many of the region’s most celebrated performers such as Ustad Haniff Mohammed, Budram Holass, Yusuff Khan, Sohan Girdharrie, Lily Ramcharan, Pandit Siewdath Maharaj, Ramnarine “Tole” Moonilal, Bisram “Tatsil” Moonilal, Ramdeo Seelochan, Rajkumar “Krishna” Persad, Deoraj Seunarine, Mungal Patasar, Sundar Popo, Baal and Lily John, Rukminee Holass Beepath, Lalchand “Rafi” Singh, Amarnath Patasar, Karamchand Maharaj, and many other distinguished artistes. His musical contributions enriched countless performances and cultural events, earning him admiration and respect from fellow musicians and audiences alike.

A true entertainer and musical craftsman, Sagar possessed a lively spirit that resonated deeply with audiences wherever he performed. His ability to connect with listeners, combined with his musical brilliance, ensured that every performance was filled with joy, rhythm, and heartfelt emotion. Those who heard him perform often left with lasting memories of an artiste who gave his whole heart to the stage. Sadly, on May 6, 2011, this extraordinary musician was taken from us. The passing of Munilal “Sagar” Sookraj left a deep sense of loss within the cultural community and among the many admirers who cherished his music. He is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife Fareeda, his family, friends, and the countless individuals whose lives were touched by his artistry. Though he is no longer with us, the legacy of Sagar Sookraj lives on through the music he shared, the students he inspired, and the cultural traditions he helped preserve. His contributions remain an enduring part of the rich musical heritage of Trinidad and Tobago, and the void left by his passing is one that may never truly be filled.

“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 versatile Sagar Sookraj.” (Copyright Nisha Sharma 2026).